The Chicago Bears’ head coaching search has taken an intriguing turn as the team is set to bring in Tennessee State head coach and NFL legend Eddie George for an in-person interview on Sunday, league sources told ESPN. George, who had a storied nine-year career as a running back, most notably with the then-Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise, has been making his mark in the coaching ranks at the college level in recent years.
From NFL Legend to Coaching Sensation
Eddie George’s transition from dominant NFL running back to head coach has been an impressive one. After retiring from the NFL in 2004 with over 10,000 rushing yards, George initially pursued business interests and broadcasting. However, the competitive fire still burned strong, and he eventually found his way back to the gridiron in a coaching capacity.
In 2021, George was hired as the head coach at Tennessee State, a historically black university (HBCU) competing in the FCS. He has quickly made his mark, compiling a 24-22 record over four seasons. This past year, George led the Tigers to an impressive 9-4 record and an FCS playoff appearance, earning him Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Bears Casting Wide Net in Coaching Search
The Bears have been conducting an extensive search for their next head coach after firing Matt Eberflus following a disappointing 2024 season. The team has already interviewed a wide range of candidates, including former head coaches like Mike McCarthy and Ron Rivera. Now, they are looking to the college ranks with the inclusion of Eddie George.
Eddie is an outstanding leader who has shown he can build a winning culture. His grit, dedication, and ability to motivate and develop players really stand out. We’re excited to bring him in and see if he could be the right fit to lead our team forward.
– Bears GM Ryan Poles
The Bears actually got a close look at George last offseason when he served a fellowship with the team during OTAs as part of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching program. He clearly made a strong impression to now earn a formal head coaching interview.
Breaking Barriers and Increasing Diversity
George’s emergence as a head coaching candidate is significant on multiple fronts. If hired, he would become only the third Black head coach currently in the NFL, joining Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans. The league has been under scrutiny for its lack of diversity in coaching and executive ranks.
Additionally, George would be a rare example of a head coach coming directly from the HBCU ranks. While some former NFL players like Deion Sanders have gone on to coach at HBCUs before jumping to bigger college programs or the NFL, it’s unprecedented for a coach to make the leap straight from an HBCU to a head NFL gig in the modern era.
Other Candidates Still in the Mix
While Eddie George is an exciting addition to the Bears’ interview list, he is still considered an outside contender for the job. The Bears have also shown strong interest in Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Ravens OC Todd Monken, and a few others.
- Joe Brady – credited with developing star QB Josh Allen in Buffalo
- Todd Monken – experienced play-caller who led top offenses in Cleveland and Baltimore
- Adam Stenavich – rising star who has worked under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay
The Bears are expected to conduct in-person interviews with some of these candidates in the coming days. With George’s interview on Sunday, the team will have fulfilled the Rooney Rule requirement of interviewing at least two external minority candidates in-person.
Could George Be the Next Vrabel?
If the Bears were to hire Eddie George, it would certainly be a bold move. However, there is some precedent for former star players with limited coaching experience becoming successful NFL head coaches.
Look no further than Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel had just three years as an NFL position coach and coordinator under his belt when the Titans hired him as head coach in 2018. Since then, he has compiled a 61-38 record and led the Titans to the playoffs in four out of five seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance.
Like Vrabel, George was known as a fierce competitor and highly respected leader as a player. He has shown promise in building a program at Tennessee State. While the jump from the FCS to the NFL is significant, George’s intelligence, leadership skills, and motivational ability could translate well to the pro game.
A New Direction for the Bears?
The Bears have not made the playoffs since 2022 and have struggled to find consistency at the head coaching position. The franchise is at a pivotal juncture as they look to build around young quarterback Caleb Williams and return to prominence in the NFC North.
Hiring Eddie George would signal a new direction and fresh perspective. It would be a splash move that would energize the fan base and bring a lot of buzz to the organization. At the same time, it would not be without risk given George’s lack of NFL coaching experience.
Ultimately, Bears brass will have to weigh the upside of a outside-the-box hire like George against the safer choice of a more experienced NFL coach. But the fact that George has landed an interview shows the team is willing to consider all options in its quest to find the best leader for the franchise.
The Eddie George coaching storyline will be a fascinating one to follow in the coming days as the Bears wrap up their initial interviews and move towards a decision. Whether he lands the job or not, George’s rapid rise in the coaching ranks is one of the most unique stories in recent NFL history.
