During the early December press conference announcing Matt Eberflu’s ouster, Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren made comments about his joint coaching search with general manager Ryan Poles that made it seem like there could be an imbalance of power at Halas Hall this winter.
Poles is the “point of contact” for the Bears, but Warren’s presence appears notable in the coaching search.
The Chicago Bears aren’t No. 1 on Ben Johnson’s list
Poles reportedly likes Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the more sought-after candidates in the league this hiring cycle. The Bears interviewed him on Saturday.
But it’s unclear how Johnson feels about Chicago, as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Brady, is doing all he can to convince Johnson to move to the desert.
With Mike Vrabel in New England and the Bears not No. 1 on Johnson’s list, Warren has another “leader of men” in mind for the Bears.
Kevin Warren wants Marcus Freeman
Per George Ofman, Warren is “enamored” with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman.
“This is a post I put out over a month ago. Kevin Warren is thoroughly enamored with this gentleman,” Ofman posted on X. “I would be very surprised if Freeman leaves Notre Dame, but Warren would love to have him become the coach.”
This is a post I put out over a month ago. Kevin Warren is thoroughly enamored with this gentleman. I would be very surprised if Freeman leaves Notre Dame, but Warren would love to have him become the coach. https://t.co/fTwtNu5Lc5
— George Ofman (@georgeofman) January 13, 2025
Freeman is set to lead No. 7 seed Notre Dame against No. 8 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20.
The 39-year-old head coach signed a contract extension this season that will pay Freeman approximately $9-10 million per year. If the Bears hired Freeman, they would have to beat the figure. It’s unclear what or if Freeman has a buyout with the Irish, but given his annual fee, it wouldn’t likely be cheap.
Warren appears to value experience and success as a head coach (even if at the college level) while Poles is more willing to take a risk on a top offensive mind for his young quarterback, even if there are questions about Johnson’s leadership capabilities.
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