3 potential DCs for Matt Eberflus’ Chicago Bears coaching staff

Lovie Smith

A Lovie Smith return to the Chicago Bears would certainly be interesting.

Even though Mike Ditka has a Super Victory under his belt, an argument could be made that Lovie Smith has been the most successful head coach in the history of the Chicago Bears organization. Smith served as the Bears’ head coach from 2004-2012.

Smith’s exit from the Bears was controversial as he was fired after a 10-win season in 2012. Despite the 10 wins, the Bears missed the playoffs. Then Bears general manager Phil Emery took advantage of the Bears missing the playoffs and made the decision to fire Smith. Smith has since spent time on both the college and NFL ranks but he remains a viable defensive coordinator.

While Smith and Eberflus have not coached together, there is a direct connection. Eberflus’ mentor was former Bears’ defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Marinelli was close with Smith. All three specialize in running the Tampa-2 defense.

If Eberflus is content on running the Tampa-2 defense with the Bears, Smith would be an ideal candidate. Smith is the current defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans but with the Texans looking for a new head coach, the former Bears’ head coach could be available.

The question that would exist is if Smith would be willing to return to the Bears’ organization in a capacity other than a head coach. If Smith is willing to return, there would be no better candidate to serve as Eberflus’ defensive coordinator.

He is a master of the Tampa-2 defense and his experience as a head coach would certainly serve as a benefit to the first-time head coach in Eberflus.