Unless there’s an unexpected turnaround, Matt Eberflus is likely to be dismissed when the regular season ends. Currently, his record stands at 14-30 over three seasons with the Chicago Bears, during which he has already fired one defensive coordinator and two offensive coordinators in the past two years. His time with the team has been marked by more struggles than successes.
As speculation about Eberflus’s future in Chicago grows, Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron shared a list of potential candidates to replace him as head coach on X. Alongside current offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, Zimmerman mentioned several prominent names, including Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson, Buffalo Bills OC Joe Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Liam Coen, Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore, Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing, and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
However, Zimmerman also suggested an unconventional name as a “dark horse” candidate: former Bears quarterback Josh McCown.
McCown’s Standout 2013 Season with the Bears
Josh McCown had a 16-year career in the NFL, playing for nine different teams, including the Bears. He initially joined the team in 2011 as a backup to Jay Cutler and later re-signed in 2013. That season, McCown filled in as the starting quarterback after Cutler was injured in Week 7. Over the next eight games, including five starts, McCown posted an impressive 149 completions on 224 attempts (66.5%), totaling 1,829 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just one interception. His passer rating of 109.0 was the highest in Bears history at the time.
McCown’s remarkable performance included becoming the first Bears QB to throw for 300+ yards in three consecutive games, with his standout Week 14 performance earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Despite his success, head coach Marc Trestman chose to reinsert Cutler as the starting quarterback once he was healthy, bringing McCown’s brief but spectacular run to an end.
McCown’s Coaching Career
McCown’s coaching experience at the NFL level is limited, but his playing background and leadership skills have caught the attention of teams. He interviewed for the Houston Texans’ head coaching position in both 2021 and 2022, though the job ultimately went to David Culley and Lovie Smith, respectively.
In 2023, McCown officially transitioned into coaching when he joined the Carolina Panthers as their quarterbacks coach, working closely with the team’s top pick, rookie quarterback Bryce Young. After his stint with the Panthers, McCown was hired by the Minnesota Vikings in February 2024, where he continues to contribute to quarterback development.
Zimmerman’s designation of McCown as a dark horse candidate stems from his minimal formal coaching experience in the NFL. While it’s unlikely he will receive an interview if Eberflus is let go, McCown’s connection to the Bears and his extensive playing career make him an intriguing potential candidate. It will be interesting to see what direction the Bears take as they consider their next move.
