Bears Eye Matt Campbell for Head Coaching Role
Amid a turbulent season, the Chicago Bears are actively seeking to fill their head coaching vacancy, and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell is emerging as a strong contender. After parting ways with Matt Eberflus, who posted a 14-32 record, the Bears are looking to reinvigorate their franchise with a proven leader. Campbell, who has been at the helm of the Iowa State Cyclones since 2016, presents an intriguing option for the storied NFL team.
Campbell’s Iowa State Success
Matt Campbell has carved out an impressive legacy at Iowa State, where he has crafted a record of 62-50, marking a 55.4% winning percentage. Under Campbell’s leadership, Iowa State witnessed unprecedented success. Including a remarkable first-ever 10-win season in 2024, the Cyclones have enjoyed significant growth and achievement.
Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State is highlighted by not only this milestone but also by guiding the team to five consecutive winning seasons. The annual improvement of the Cyclones culminated in their second appearance at the Big 12 Championship Game in 2024, a testament to Campbell’s strategic acumen and leadership qualities.
Commitment in Ames
Despite the swirling interest from the NFL and other opportunities, Matt Campbell demonstrated his commitment to Iowa State through a substantial eight-year contract extension, signed in December. This extension ties Campbell to Iowa State until 2032, showcasing mutual dedication between coach and institution. Nonetheless, the potential to step into the professional echelons of the NFL with the Bears may pose an enticing opportunity for Campbell to consider.
The Bears’ Dire Straits
For the Chicago Bears, the 2024 campaign has been particularly grueling. Following a less-than-stellar 7-10 record the previous season, the team’s performance dipped to 4-8, leading to Eberflus’s departure. In a strategic move, the Bears appointed Thomas Brown, previously the pass game coordinator, as the interim head coach. This change in leadership bore fruit, as Brown successfully led the team to an inspiring victory over their rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the last game of the season.
With the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft looming, the Bears are on the precipice of pivotal decisions that could shape their future. Appointing a head coach with a robust track record like Campbell’s could provide the blueprint for long-term success and stability.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears evaluate their next steps, Matt Campbell’s name remains at the forefront of discussions. Known for his ability to build competitive teams and foster a winning culture, Campbell’s alignment with Chicago’s aspirations appears to be a natural fit. The decision, however, will rest on a multitude of factors, including Campbell’s willingness to leave his established post at Iowa State and embrace the challenges of the NFL.
While the end of the college season offers a window of reflection and negotiation, both the Bears and Campbell will need to weigh their options carefully. For Chicago, landing a coach with Campbell’s pedigree could signal a promising new era, while Campbell must consider the potential rewards and challenges inherent in making the leap to professional football.
As the NFL continues to evolve, teams like the Bears are increasingly seeking out leaders who can bring a fresh perspective and invigorate their franchises. Whether Matt Campbell will become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears remains to be seen, but the pursuit reflects a team willing to explore every avenue in its quest to return to glory.