The wide net the Chicago Bears are casting in search of the 19th coach in team history includes at least one college coach.
The team is expected to meet with Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, according to multiple sources.
Campbell, 45, has been the Cyclones coach since 2016, and his name has popped up previously for jobs not only at more traditional college powers, but also in the NFL. The Detroit Lions were rumored to be pushing to hire him in 2021, and he also has been linked to the New York Jets in the past.
Campbell, who was the coach at Toledo before taking the Iowa State job, guided the Cyclones to an 11-3 record — the first 10-win season in program history — and the Big 12 title game this season. He was rewarded in December with an eight-year contract extension that runs through the 2032 season.
He is the third-longest-tenured coach in program history and has the most wins at Iowa State with a 64-51 record and seven bowl games in nine seasons. He coached former Bears running back David Montgomery as well as Jets running back Breece Hall and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Defensive end Will McDonald, drafted by the Jets at No. 15 in 2023, was the first Iowa State player in 50 years to be picked in the first round.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it clear the team’s search will take it in many directions. Virtual interviews began Wednesday, and the team announced it completed an interview with former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel.
“It’s going to be a diverse group,” Poles said Tuesday. “This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We’re turning every stone to make sure we’re doing this the right way.
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“There’s going to be some names that you don’t expect that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before.”
Poles said the Bears will announce the names of candidates after interviews are completed, with permission of the candidate. Given the sensitive and competitive nature of college recruiting, it’s possible the Bears wouldn’t release Campbell’s name or any other college coaches they might interview — but the Iowa State coach is a candidate for the job.
The list continues to become more diverse.
www.chicagotribune.com
The team is expected to meet with Iowa State’s Matt Campbell, according to multiple sources.
Campbell, 45, has been the Cyclones coach since 2016, and his name has popped up previously for jobs not only at more traditional college powers, but also in the NFL. The Detroit Lions were rumored to be pushing to hire him in 2021, and he also has been linked to the New York Jets in the past.
Campbell, who was the coach at Toledo before taking the Iowa State job, guided the Cyclones to an 11-3 record — the first 10-win season in program history — and the Big 12 title game this season. He was rewarded in December with an eight-year contract extension that runs through the 2032 season.
He is the third-longest-tenured coach in program history and has the most wins at Iowa State with a 64-51 record and seven bowl games in nine seasons. He coached former Bears running back David Montgomery as well as Jets running back Breece Hall and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Defensive end Will McDonald, drafted by the Jets at No. 15 in 2023, was the first Iowa State player in 50 years to be picked in the first round.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it clear the team’s search will take it in many directions. Virtual interviews began Wednesday, and the team announced it completed an interview with former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel.
“It’s going to be a diverse group,” Poles said Tuesday. “This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We’re turning every stone to make sure we’re doing this the right way.
Chicago Bears Insider: Get the latest news, analysis and more on the Chicago Bears.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and to receive emails from Chicago Tribune.
“There’s going to be some names that you don’t expect that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before.”
Poles said the Bears will announce the names of candidates after interviews are completed, with permission of the candidate. Given the sensitive and competitive nature of college recruiting, it’s possible the Bears wouldn’t release Campbell’s name or any other college coaches they might interview — but the Iowa State coach is a candidate for the job.
The list continues to become more diverse.
Chicago Bears are expected to interview Iowa State’s Matt Campbell for their coaching job
Matt Campbell has been Iowa State’s coach since 2016, and his name has popped up previously for NFL jobs.
www.chicagotribune.com
