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Bears Suddenly Set Sights on College Coach as Job Search Takes Turn

By Isaiah De Los Santos

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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The NFL head-coaching carousel kicked into high gear on Sunday, as the New England Patriots' agreement with Mike Vrabel marks the first hiring of the offseason. That now puts even more pressure on the Chicago Bears to nail their choice for HC with one premier candidate off the board.

Meanwhile, another one of the Bears' reported top choices for the job, Ben Johnson, is being strongly linked to the Las Vegas Raiders' opening, which could throw a serious wrench in Chicago's plans for 2025.

With things moving fast, it's wise for the Bears to line up some elite backup options, and Sunday's report indicates they're doing just that.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Chicago "wants" to interview Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman for their job. In addition, Pelissero says the Bears have done "extensive research" on Freeman, showcasing legitimate interest from their side in the Fighting Irish's leader.

This isn't the first time Freeman has been brought up in regards to this job. However, many thought he was officially out of the running after agreeing to a contract extension with Notre Dame to keep him from jumping to the NFL ranks.

Chicago's interest reportedly being steadfast despite re-upping with the Fighting Irish could change things, though. While some are happy to build a legacy at the collegiate level, many use their success as a stepping stone to the pros, where they have a chance to prove themselves as a top coach facing the best of the best.

Freeman has helped the Fighting Irish improve every year since taking over, going 9-4 in 2022, 10-3 in 2023, and 14-1 this current season with ND. Notre Dame is in the midst of an eye-opening College Football Playoff run as well, taking down No. 10 Indiana, upsetting No. 2 Gerogia and defeating No. 6 Penn State to make the championship game.

Given the CFP final is slated for Jan. 20, the Bears will be forced to wait to interview Freeman. However, the excellence, development, and leadership he's displayed in his run with the Fighting Irish make him an ideal candidate for Chicago, so it may be happy to begin talks once the college season officially wraps.

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