The Chicago Bears‘ search for a new head coach includes candidates from various backgrounds, and now they are set to interview a prominent college coach as well. Matt Campbell, currently the head coach at Iowa State, is expected to meet with the Bears, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Campbell, 45, has a strong coaching resume, having previously interviewed for the Detroit Lions‘ head coaching position in 2021, where he was reportedly offered an eight-year, $68.5 million contract, though the job ultimately went to Dan Campbell.
Campbell’s coaching career began at Toledo, where he led the program to a 35-15 record over five years. Since joining Iowa State in 2016, he has built a solid program, finishing with a losing record only twice in nine seasons. His best season came in 2024, when the Cyclones went 11-3 and reached the Big 12 championship game. With his proven success, Campbell may attract NFL interest, and the Bears are among the teams considering him.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has confirmed that they are exploring a wide range of coaching candidates from various backgrounds, including offense, defense, special teams, and both college and pro levels. The search is thorough, with Poles promising that some unexpected names will emerge as the process unfolds.
Here’s an updated list of candidates in the Bears’ search:
- Bill Belichick (North Carolina): Expressed interest
- Joe Brady (Bills offensive coordinator): Interview requested
- Thomas Brown (Bears interim head coach): Interview expected
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State head coach): Interview expected
- Pete Carroll (former Seahawks head coach): To interview 1/9
- Brian Flores (Vikings defensive coordinator): Interview requested
- Aaron Glenn (Lions defensive coordinator): To interview 1/11
- Ben Johnson (Lions offensive coordinator): To interview 1/11
- Mike Kafka (Giants offensive coordinator): To interview 1/9
- Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders offensive coordinator): Interview expected
- Mike McCarthy (Cowboys head coach): Interview blocked
- Todd Monken (Ravens offensive coordinator): Interview requested
- Drew Petzing (Cardinals offensive coordinator): To interview 1/8
- David Shaw (Broncos senior personnel executive): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith (Steelers offensive coordinator): Interview requested
- Mike Vrabel (former Titans head coach): Interviewed 1/8
- Anthony Weaver (Dolphins defensive coordinator): Interview requested
