The Chicago Bears head coaching vacancy has been the talk of the week around the NFL, with the latest hot take being that the Bears could trade for their next head coach.
On Tuesday, Mike Florio floated out the idea that the Bears should consider trading for either Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers or John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. It seems like a wild premise that the 49ers or Ravens, perceived Super Bowl contenders entering the season, would consider trading their head coaches but credit to Florio for his outlandish thought exercises.
Trading for a head head coach isn't a frequent practice in the NFL but isn't uncommon either with the Denver Broncos trade for Sean Payton being the most recent example. The Broncos sent a first-round pick and a second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Payton.
Given how the Bears botched the hiring of Matt Eberflus, there could be some incentive for the team to trade for their next head coach. As unlikely as the move may be, there are some candidates that would be worth the conversation.
1. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams' improbable run to the playoffs last season likely staved off the full reset for the organization but it seems that Sean McVay has been eyeing his next venture since the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022. McVay, 38, has entertained a move to television work in the past but the allure of coaching Caleb Williams with the Bears could be intriguing enough for him to remain in the coaching ranks.
2. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
I still fall in the skeptical camp that there is any truth to the rumors that the San Francisco 49ers are plotting a future without Kyle Shanahan as their head coach but it doesn't hurt the Bears to make the call. It's what they should've done last January when Jim Harbaugh was eyeing a return to the NFL.
3. Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
This is going to be the controversial one but Kevin Stefanski's downfall with the Cleveland Browns could be tied to the organization's decision to trade for Deshaun Watson. Watson has struggled to stay healthy during his time as the Browns' starting quarterback and when the team has run out veterans in his place--Joe Flacco last season and Jameis Winston this season--Stefanski's offensive mind has been on display. If the Browns don't move on from Stefanski this offseason, it could be worth the Bears making the call.