Chicago Bears Eye Iowa State's Matt Campbell for Coaching Role
The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for a new head coach, and Matt Campbell, the highly-acclaimed coach from Iowa State, has caught their eye. Campbell, who took the reins at Iowa State in 2016, has a remarkable record of turning the Cyclones into a formidable force in college football.
The Campbell Era at Iowa State
Matt Campbell has built an impressive 62-50 record during his tenure with the Cyclones, culminating in a 55.4% winning percentage. He's not only led Iowa State to five consecutive winning seasons but also to their first 10-win season in 2024. That same year, the team made its second Big 12 Championship Game appearance in six years, solidifying Campbell's status as the most successful coach in Iowa State history.
This phenomenal rise in success prompted Iowa State to secure Campbell’s expertise through an eight-year contract extension, binding him to the team until 2032. His leadership and ability to maximize the potential of his players have turned the Cyclones into a competitive powerhouse.
Bears' Coaching Shake-up
The Bears recently ended their partnership with Matt Eberflus, sending him off with a disappointing 14-32 record. The team's performance last season saw them finishing with a 7-10 record, but things took a downward turn during the 2024 campaign, resulting in a 4-8 mark. Looking to infuse some fresh energy, Chicago appointed Thomas Brown, the pass game coordinator, as their interim head coach.
In a spirited finale to their season, the Bears managed to edge out the Green Bay Packers, which has offered the team a semblance of hope amid trials. With the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have room to maneuver and inspire change as they lay the groundwork for the next season.
The Future of the Bears
The consideration of Matt Campbell for the Bears’ coaching vacancy signifies the franchise's intent to instill a winning culture similar to that of Iowa State's recent victories. Campbell's proven track record of transforming teams into competitive contenders would serve the Bears well as they navigate the challenges of building a successful franchise.
Only time will tell if this budding interest will blossom into an appointment. However, the Bears seem determined to turn the page into a new chapter, hoping to mirror Campbell's impressive achievements at Iowa State in the NFL realm. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Chicago as they continue their search for the next head coach, aiming to revive their storied legacy.