Chicago Bears Eye Matt Campbell for Coaching Role
In a move that could significantly impact the NFL landscape, the Chicago Bears are reportedly considering Matt Campbell, the head coach of Iowa State, as a leading candidate for their coaching vacancy. This potential shift comes after the Bears parted ways with their former head coach, Matt Eberflus, who recorded a challenging 14-32 tenure, including a 7-10 record last season that worsened to 4-8 by the 2024 campaign's end.
Matt Campbell's Impact at Iowa State
Since taking the reins at Iowa State in 2016, Campbell has carved out a legacy of success at the program traditionally overshadowed by larger collegiate football powerhouses. Under his leadership, Iowa State recorded its first-ever 10-win season in 2024 and made a second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game within six years, a testament to his coaching prowess and ability to elevate the team to its most competitive stature in history.
Campbell's tenure at Iowa State has been marked by consistency, amassing a 62-50 record with a 55.4% winning percentage. These statistics firmly establish him as the most successful coach in the history of Iowa State football, underscoring his ability to drive a program toward long-term success. His significant achievements include leading Iowa State to five consecutive winning seasons, setting a new benchmark for the program.
The Bears' Decision-Making Process
Following Eberflus's departure, Thomas Brown was appointed interim head coach. Brown, who was initially the Bears' pass game coordinator, stepped up to the acting head coach role in a season that ended with a victory over their archrivals, the Green Bay Packers. Despite this last triumph, the Bears remain in a position of evaluation and transition, eyeing the potentially transformative leadership that Campbell could bring.
The Bears' management is banking on a fresh perspective to reinvigorate the team and improve upon their No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Campbell's track record of cultivating successful players and developing competitive teams, he stands out as an attractive option to guide the franchise through its rebuilding phase.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The potential transition from Iowa State to the NFL represents a significant career opportunity for Campbell, but it also comes with challenges. Campbell recently signed an eight-year extension with Iowa State, binding him to the program through 2032. This long-term commitment to Iowa State demonstrates both his dedication to the program and the confidence the institution places in his continued leadership.
For the Bears, the challenge will be to persuade Campbell to pivot from his college success to embrace the larger, more demanding stage of professional football. If successful, the Bears could usher in a new era characterized by strategic innovation and competitive play that reflects Campbell’s collegiate successes.
The decision to pursue Campbell reflects a broader strategic direction for the Bears as they seek to harness new coaching philosophies and methodologies to climb the ranks of the NFL. Campbell's established success in turning around Iowa State's football fortunes aligns well with the Bears' vision of evolving into a consistently competitive NFC North contender.
The Road Forward
As the Bears navigate the intricate process of selecting their next head coach, Matt Campbell remains a prime candidate whose potential alignment with Chicago’s aspirations could catalyze a bright new chapter for the franchise. The upcoming months will be crucial as the Bears aim to secure not just success on paper, but a leadership figure capable of inspiring the locker room and fans alike.
With both the opportunity for growth and the challenge of luring Campbell from a secure position, the coming weeks will determine the Bears' strategic direction and, potentially, their future within the NFL hierarchy.