The Chicago Bears head coaching search doesn’t seem like it’s reaching a conclusion anytime soon.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bears are expanding their coaching search and would like to interview Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. The Irish are set to play Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 20th so even if they get to interview him, it won’t be until after that game.
Per the report, the Bears “have done extensive research” on Freeman “for months.” That language would sure make it seem like the Bears would consider him a legitimate candidate at this stage.
Freeman just turned 39 and is in his third season as Notre Dame’s head coach after taking over for Brian Kelly. Note Dame is 14-1 this season and the Irish have beaten Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the CFP so far. The Irish took down the Nittany Lions 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.
Overall, Notre Dame is 33-9 in Freeman’s tenure. The team has improved its record in each of Freeman’s seasons with the team after going 9-4 in 2022.
Freeman was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator for a season before becoming the team’s head coach. The former Ohio State linebacker was Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator from 2017-2020 before coming to South Bend.
The Bears are looking for a coach after making a midseason coaching change for the first time in franchise history. The team fired coach Matt Eberflus after a 4-8 start and finished the season 1-4 under interim coach Thomas Brown. Chicago lost 10 straight games before winning its season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
