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Bears coaching candidates: Could Texans OC Bobby Slowik be Matt Eberflus’ replacement?

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Bobby Slowik was considered a riser in the head coaching ranks last offseason after a breakout campaign from Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud en route to a division title.

Is that still the case despite a mixed second season as the Texans’ primary play-caller? Fans could soon find out as another team begins its search for a new man in command.

The Chicago Bears fired third-year coach Matt Eberflus Friday morning following a self-imploding finish in Thursday’s loss against the Detroit Lions. With 36 seconds left, Chicago elected not to use its final timeout, thus leading to one last heave at the end zone.

Friday marked a new chapter for the NFC franchise. Eberflus became the first head coach to be dismissed during the season in the team’s 105-year history.

General manager Ryans Poles is expected to be retained after drafting future franchise quarterback Calen Williams. Chicago believes it’s good enough to contend for the playoffs and the Super Bowl in any given year, though it currently holds a 4-8 record through 13 weeks.

The plan seems to be for the Bears to bring in an offensive-minded coach to work alongside Caleb Williams. Is Slowik on the shortlist after helping Stroud break records during his rookie campaign in 2023?

Right now, it’s a toss-up. The Texans sit at 7-5 largely due to their second-half woes. Even with a stable run game headlined by Joe Mixon, the instability to score has hindered Houston’s success with a more tame schedule.

Houston’s only scored one offensive touchdown in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots, and it came on a 1-yard run by Mixon against Dallas when Houston was up by 10 in the fourth quarter.

Not all can be blamed on the play-calling. Stroud’s nearly doubled his interception total from last season after failing to communicate with his targets. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year remains constantly under pressure behind an offensive line that’s allowed the fourth-most sacks this season.

There are two positives to Slowik’s case. First, he’s already interviewed for a head coaching position, meeting with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders last cycle. He’ll have an understanding of what GMs and executives are looking for in a coach.

The second notch in references. Kyle Shanahan remains one of the league’s more respected coaches and would seem more than happy to offer one of his proteges a recommendation. DeMeco Ryans would also stick his neck out for Slowik once more and could sell the idea of a fast turnaround.

If Ryans could turn a struggling team into a playoff contender in one offseason, why would Slowik be any different?

Slowik’s coaching background on the defensive side also gives him an inside track to a lot of schematic advantages over other candidates. Then there’s the whole “developing Stroud into a star” thing that should entice any franchise with a promising quarterback prospect on staff.

Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson headlines all coaching searches and should be public acquiree No. 1. Depending on what teams are looking for in the coaching world, the No. 2 option remains an open race.

If looking defensively, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores should be at the top of the list.

On offense, Tampa Buccaneers play-caller Liam Coen is gaining steam. The same goes for former Arizona Cardinals and current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Given his background, Slowik’s success makes him a must-interview, even if the team trends in a different direction after the first phone call.