From Stanford to Soldier Field: David Shaw’s bid to lead the Chicago Bears

Published Jan. 15, 2025, 9:00 p.m., last updated Jan. 15, 2025, 9:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears interviewed former Stanford head coach David Shaw for the team’s vacant head coach position. Shaw, who is 52, boasts an astonishing collegiate record, leading Stanford to a cumulative record of 96 wins and 54 losses, including three Pac-12 championships, from 2011 through 2022. He was an aide in the NFL for various teams before he got a chance to coach in college, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas) and Baltimore Ravens. Most recently, he has been helping the Denver Broncos in player evaluations and roster planning as their Senior Personnel Executive.

The Bears are looking for a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed after a disappointing 5-12 season, which marked the fourth straight season in which the Bears finished beneath .500. The incoming head coach will aim to bring the franchise back to respectability while also helping quarterback Caleb Williams as he develops. The former Heisman Trophy winner at USC and first overall pick in last year’s draft had a solid rookie year, finishing with 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns, but struggled behind a weak offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 68 times — a franchise record.

Shaw appears amongst a diverse slate of candidates the Bears are considering, including interim head coach Thomas Brown, seasoned NFL coaches like Ron Rivera and several promising coordinators. While Shaw’s coaching record is commendable, he is most likely not the frontrunner amongst other candidates who most recently held NFL head coaching positions or have had success as NFL coordinators. However, his reputation as a player developer, flexible thinker and team culture builder could still make him a long shot choice. Add in his familiarity with the NFL and collegiate systems, and he might find himself in a surprisingly unique position to help Caleb Williams and this young Bears offense grow.

In the end, much depends on how closely Shaw’s vision aligns with the Bears’ priorities, but his record suggests that he is worth a serious look. Whether he emerges as the top choice remains to be seen as the Bears organization continue its comprehensive interview process.



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