NFL head coach hires: Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears
I’m not really sure about this hire. I think the Bears should have brought in an offensive guy to try and develop Justin Fields, who was horrible in year one.
However, perhaps an underrated hire was Eberflus bringing in former Packers’ QB coach Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator.
Aaron Rodgers has spoken very highly of Getsy, and he’ll get to call plays and will be responsible for developing Fields.
The Bears have way more issues than Fields, though. They need to reload at wide receiver, offensive line, and begin to replace their aging defense.
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
While nothing is finalized, O’Connell is headed towards being the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, replacing long-time head coach Mike Zimmer.
Essentially a taller version of Sean McVay, the Vikings are hoping to have success with another disciple of the ever-growing McVay tree.
McVay’s old quarterback coach, Zac Taylor, is coaching in the Super Bowl. O’Connell, a former 3rd round draft pick, has been coaching in the NFL since 2015.
At just 36 years old, he’s following the trend of the league heading towards offensive-minded head coaches.
While the Vikings’ offense wasn’t their issue, perhaps O’Connell can poach a defensive coach from the Rams and bring him to Minnesota.
The Vikings are in a weird place. While they have talent on both sides of the ball, some of their talent is aging, and they seem to be treading water with Kirk Cousins.
It remains to be seen what they will do with their current roster, but arguments can be made for rebuilding and trying to retool.
Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints
Nothing official in terms of head coaches have been made, but the Saints and Texans are wrapping their interview processes up.
To me, it’s odd to see some NFL teams take this process slowly because you risk your guy being hired by another team.
The Texans look poised to hire one of Lovie Smith, Brian Flores, or Josh McCown, and the Saints look poised to hire either Dennis Allen or Eric Bieniemy.
Whichever route these teams go, it’s clear both need a full-on, NFL-caliber rebuild.