As the Chicago Bears navigate a pivotal offseason, one name that has risen to prominence in the search for their next head coach is Matt Campbell, the respected leader from Iowa State. This comes after the franchise parted ways with Matt Eberflus, who amassed a 14-32 record during his tenure. Interim leadership has been placed in the hands of Thomas Brown, originally the team's pass game coordinator, following a difficult 2024 campaign where the Bears managed a 4-8 record, a decline from their 7-10 showing the previous season.
Matt Campbell: A Proven Track Record at Iowa State
Matt Campbell has built a sterling reputation since taking the helm at Iowa State in 2016. Under his guidance, the team has risen to unprecedented heights. Campbell boasts a 62-50 record with the Cyclones, translating to a solid 55.4% winning percentage. This record makes him the most successful coach in the school's history. A hallmark of his tenure has been the ability to string together consistent success; Iowa State saw five consecutive winning seasons, a remarkable feat by any standard.
The peak of Campbell’s accomplishments came in 2024, a year that saw Iowa State reach double-digit wins for the first time ever, alongside an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game, the second such achievement in the six years under his leadership. Such achievements reflect not only Campbell’s tactical acumen but also his ability to cultivate a winning culture, traits that undoubtedly appeal to NFL franchises like the Bears.
The Bears' Next Steps
The potential addition of Campbell to the Bears would mark a significant shift in strategy for the team, currently holding the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a season-ending win against their historic rivals, the Green Bay Packers, optimism might appear in short supply, yet such victories can often galvanize the club's path forward.
The decision to sever ties with Eberflus comes as no surprise, given the lack of progression during his stint. With the interim appointment of Thomas Brown, the Bears have a decision to make: whether to look internally or to the collegiate ranks for leadership that could reignite the franchise's fortunes.
A Long-term Vision
In December, Campbell committed to an eight-year extension with Iowa State, keeping him in Ames through 2032. Such a long-term agreement signals his dedication to the Cyclones, yet interest from NFL teams could introduce intriguing decisions for him and the Iowa State administration. For Chicago, securing an established college coach like Campbell could bring strategic innovation and a fresh perspective to their coaching staff.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and the Bears consider their options, Matt Campbell's potential transition from college ranks to the professional stage remains a storyline full of possibilities. The decision bears weight not just on the immediate future, but on the long-term ambitions for a franchise eager to return to its competitive roots. Whether Campbell will be the key to unlocking the Bears' potential remains to be seen, but his track record certainly makes a compelling case.