The Chicago Bears certainly won’t be accused of leaving any stone unturned during their head coaching search this offseason.
The Bears started the morning by formally requesting interviews with the expected choices: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Then came some odd choices, probably none more surprising than New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Even messaging him via text is something of a head-scratcher after the Giants’ last two seasons.
The Chicago Bears want to interview Justin Fields’ OC
Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Bears added two more to their list on Monday afternoon. Chicago wants to inquire inside the NFC North again by talking with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Chicago also requested an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“Bears requested head coaching interviews with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, per source,” Schefter wrote on X.
Bears requested head coaching interviews with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2025
A couple of things are interesting about the interview with Smith. One, he served as offensive coordinator under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans in 2019-20. Vrabel is expected to be a candidate for the Bears, and this could be a chance to gain more information for that interview.
Smith went 21-30 during his three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Much of the issues during his time with the Falcons were blamed on poor quarterback talent on the roster.
Arthur Smith doesn’t have the Pittsburgh Steelers offense humming
Smith accepted the Steelers job in the 2024 offseason. He went 4-2 with Fields as a starter before Russell Wilson was given the starting job in Week 7. The team is headed to play the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round after finishing with a 10-7 regular season. (Pittsburgh has a four-game losing streak entering the playoffs.)
The Steelers offense ranked 16th in points per game (22.4) in the league during the regular season. Pittsburgh averages 319.4 yards per game, which ranks 23rd.
The results of Smith’s work with Fields and Wilson have been mixed. Wilson has thrown for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 games. Fields is 106-161 passing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in 2024. He’s added 289 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Fields went to Pittsburgh to resurrect his career and work with Smith. Could Smith go to Chicago to resurrect his career and work with Caleb Williams?
Or better yet, should Smith get the opportunity?
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