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Bears Expected To Conduct HC Interview With Matt Campbell

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The Bears’ head coaching search includes a number of names from various backgrounds in the NFL. At least one candidate currently in the college ranks is set to receive a look as well.

Matt Campbell is expected to interview with the Bears, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports. Campbell remains in place as head coach at Iowa State, the posting he had during his most recent NFL interview process. The 45-year-old met with the Lions as part of their 2021 head coaching search.

Detroit reportedly made Campbell an eight-year, $68.5MM offer, but indications emerged soon after that it was only Dan Campbell who was ever offered the job. The latter is still in place, of course, but the Bears’ efforts of catching up to the Lions includes their ongoing search for a new coach. General manager Ryan Poles is leading the way, and he recently confirmed a wide range of coaches will be considered.

“It’s going to be a diverse group,” Poles said (via Biggs). “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. 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.”

Considering the prior interest he drew, though, Campbell is of course not a complete unknown as far as head coaching candidates go. He took on Toledo’s full-time HC position in 2012 and spent five years with the program, posting a 35-15 record. Campbell then moved on to Iowa State, where he has finished with a losing record only twice in nine seasons. The Cyclones’ best campaign to date under Campbell came in 2024, where they went 11-3 en route to the Big 12 title game. It will be interesting to see if that success yields renewed NFL interest aside from Chicago.

Via PFR’s head coaching tracker, here is an updated look at the Bears’ search: