The Chicago Bears’ pursuit of a head coach has entailed a variety of names. Candidates include senior statesmen who’ve traversed the NFL for decades. Conversely, they’re also eyeing up-and-coming coaches plying their trade as coordinators elsewhere. As the front office prepares for a 2nd shot at kickstarting the Caleb Williams era in Chi-town, they’re prepared to move a rung down the footballing hierarchy, too. Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame is reportedly on the shortlist, with the Bears wanting to interview him.

The Fighting Irish’s escapades this season have seen widespread plaudits come the way of Marcus Freeman. The plaudits transpiring into tangible NFL interest was a matter of when. Not if. He fits the archetype of the coach franchises strive for. He’s young, he’s eloquent and is a leader of men. Colin Cowherd even said he’s akin to Sean McVay, albeit Freeman is a defensive-minded guy. That’s high praise for someone in their very first head coaching job. Like most things for the Bears, though, It’s all perhaps too good to be true.

Marcus Freeman has, at multiple junctures, reiterated his commitment to Notre Dame. Earlier in the week, he said, “About a week or two ago, they announced another long contract here at Notre Dame. So I don’t think we have anything to worry about,” pertaining to rumors of an NFL move. He signed a new contract less than a month ago. Adam Schefter has stated Freeman is “happy” in South Bend too. Although he acknowledged the new contract could be a leverage play, Schefter dismissed this as just being speculation rather than intel. This contract, in tandem with another facet, makes a couple of revered analysts skeptical of whether he should take this perceived step up. 

Pat Forde of SI and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports have forgotten more football games between them than most people have seen. They addressed the elephant in the room rather straightforwardly during their conjoint podcast, the College Football Enquirer. The Chicago Bears just aren’t a very enticing proposition. Haven’t been in eons. “[If I’m Marcus Freeman] I would not do it right now. I don’t trust the Bears as an organization. I wouldn’t necessarily want to jump into that mosh pit,” said Forde. His running mate Wetzel proceeded to concur with this sentiment.

“Look, if it’s the Chiefs that want you, it’s one thing. If it’s the Bears, it’s another. Even with Caleb Williams,” said Dan Wetzel. Forde also mentioned how Notre Dame has a plethora of freshmen in this already Natty-bound roster. With continuity of personnel, Freeman’s stock should only improve in a couple more years. The Chicago Bears have been a poisoned chalice for every coach that’s stepped through the door for decades. Even though Caleb Williams and the skill position guys have a high ceiling. Even though the defense is already at a foundationally good level. Pat Forde mentioned another facet that is working against the Bears at this juncture

Marcus Freeman advised to wait this hiring cycle out before foraying into the big league

College Football has gotten away with divisions. It was a contentious call amidst the realignment of conferences, but it’s done now. That’s not the case in the NFL. The faction of 4 teams that make up a division inadvertently dictates a lot. Certain franchises in the past have been victims of deploying brilliant teams but are handicapped due to the strength of their divisions. In the case of the present-day Bears, they’re caught amidst the strongest of the 8 divisions in the NFL.

Pat Forde suggested he’d not want Marcus Freeman to jump into the NFC North. The cannibalism in there’s been brutal. Green Bay won 11 games this season but only 1 out of 6 in the division. They’re the 3rd best team in there and the youngest. Detroit and Minnesota won 15 and 14, respectively. Chicago won 4. The deficit across the board is too big at this moment in time for Freeman to cave into. Not to mention, he’ll be competing against some of the best coaches in the business.

In all likelihood, Marcus Freeman will continue his tenure at Notre Dame. They took a leap of faith with him at the onset of this working relationship. Then, they reiterated this faith by sticking by him after the Northern Illinois debacle. He’s begun reciprocating the love by having them in the National Championship. Jumping ship when he’s put into motion a potential juggernaut will not be wise. “He just turned 39 on Friday. He’s got many years of great coaching ahead of him, and Notre Dame is poised,” remarked Pat Forde.