The Chicago Bears were reportedly exploring an ambitious move to acquire a high-profile head coach.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team contacted the Pittsburgh Steelers to inquire about speaking with and potentially trading for Mike Tomlin, their long-standing head coach.
Steelers Reject Bears’ Request
The Steelers promptly rejected the Bears’ request, and the discussions never reached Tomlin, Schefter reported. This wasn’t an isolated instance, as another NFL team also made a similar approach and was turned away.
Schefter noted that Tomlin’s contract includes a no-trade clause, further solidifying his position in Pittsburgh.
At 52 years old, Tomlin is the NFL’s longest-tenured coach, having just wrapped up his 18th season with the Steelers.
His career record of 183-107-2 is highlighted by consistent winning seasons and a Super Bowl victory during the 2008 campaign. However, postseason success has eluded the Steelers in recent years, with their last playoff win occurring in 2016.
This season, the team finished 10-7 before being eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round with a 28-14 loss. When asked about the possibility of teams pursuing him, Tomlin told reporters, “Save your time.”
Bears’ Search for a New Head Coach
After dismissing Matt Eberflus following their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, the Bears began their search for a new head coach.
The firing capped a tumultuous season and set off a wide-ranging hunt for a replacement. So far, the Bears have conducted over a dozen interviews, including one with interim head coach Thomas Brown.
Schefter also reported that the Bears have interviewed several prominent candidates, such as former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Other known interviews include Mike McCarthy, Todd Monken, Ron Rivera, David Shaw, Mike Vrabel, and Anthony Weaver. They have also requested to meet with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Despite these efforts, Tomlin remains off-limits, ensuring the Steelers’ rare stability in the head coaching role continues. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has employed just three head coaches—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin.
The Bears have cycled through five head coaches since Tomlin’s tenure began in 2007, with the search ongoing for their next leader.
