Chicago Bears Eye Iowa State’s Matt Campbell for Coaching Role
As the Chicago Bears look to revamp their coaching strategy, they're turning their attention towards Iowa State's Matt Campbell. Known for transforming the Cyclones into a formidable force in college football, Campbell's name buzzes within the Bears' corridors as a top contender for their coaching vacancy.
Campbell’s Remarkable Journey at Iowa State
Matt Campbell has been at the helm of Iowa State since 2016, compiling a record of 62 wins and 50 losses, which equates to a winning percentage of 55.4%. This achievement makes him the most successful coach in the school’s history. Under his leadership, the Cyclones have enjoyed five successive winning seasons, a feat that speaks volumes about his coaching acumen and ability to build a consistent program.
Highlighting his tenure was the historic 2024 season, when Iowa State hit a new high with its first-ever 10-win season. That standout performance also included an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game—their second in six years. Such accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, and it’s clear why Campbell is a desirable candidate for any NFL team looking to change its fortunes.
A New Chapter for the Chicago Bears
The Bears, in a bid to shift gears, parted ways with Matt Eberflus after an underwhelming stint where he managed a 14-32 record. The team’s performance last season, ending at 7-10, has shown the need for fresh leadership as they currently stand at 4-8 in the ongoing 2024 campaign.
In the interim, Thomas Brown, initially serving as the Bears' pass game coordinator, has stepped up as the interim head coach. Brown's leadership saw a morale-boosting victory over the Green Bay Packers in their most recent game—a win that the Bears surely hope is a sign of things to come.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
With the NFL Draft looming, the Bears possess the No. 10 pick for 2025, a valuable asset that could shape the future, especially under new leadership. The decision to bring in a coach of Campbell's caliber could align well with their long-term reconstruction efforts.
Interestingly, despite being courted by the NFL, Campbell secured his commitment to Iowa State by signing an eight-year extension in December, tying him to the program through 2032. This long-term contract underscores his value to the Cyclones, but the lure of the NFL could still prove enticing.
As the Bears evaluate Campbell, their pursuit underscores the importance of a visionary leader in turning the tides. Whether Campbell makes the leap to the NFL or remains the cornerstone of Iowa State's success is a storyline developing with great intrigue in the football world.