Fans and media know what kind of head coach they prefer for the Chicago Bears. Most have championed the need for an offensive guru who can help Caleb Williams ascend. Some would like a coach with proven experience. That would give them a leg up in fixing whatever is wrong with the team’s dysfunction. However, the more interesting question is what the players themselves prefer. After all, they are the ones who will have direct interactions with whoever the coach ends up being.
Adam Hoge of CHGO talked about it on the Hoge & Jahns podcast with Dianna Russini. Based on what he’s heard from several players, they don’t have a particular preference when it comes to expertise. What they want is somebody who will instill discipline. The feeling is Matt Eberflus never had full control of the locker room. He may have had his vision, but the former coach lacked the charisma and firm hand to make players respect him.
Too often, they have settled for milk toast guys who are unassuming. Marc Trestman, John Fox, and Eberflus all fit this profile. Matt Nagy at least had some charisma. Unfortunately, his inability to delegate control and mishandling of his quarterbacks led to his demise. Successful head coaches often combine high intelligence with unique personalities. They fill up a room with their presence, forcing others to pay attention. George Halas did that. Mike Ditka did that. Ever since the McCaskeys took over, it seems as if they’ve tried to avoid such coaches. After so many years of losing, they can’t afford to dodge it any longer. The Chicago Bears need something different.
Maybe Ben Johnson can be that guy. Or the more conventional options like Mike Vrabel and Brian Flores are better bets. Players complained all season about discipline problems. If they’re craving it, that should be an obvious hint at what to do.
