This is not about Matt Eberflus.
He was a quality candidate to become head coach of the
Bears, and cautious optimism is a reasonable response to his hiring. Eberflus clearly has abilities as a leader, teacher and reacher of people. He has a touch that can lift players and bring defenses together.
Among those who believe in him are
Colts general manager Chris Ballard, former
Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli,
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels (who agreed to hire him as his defensive coordinator with the Colts before backing out) and Colts head coach Frank Reich. These men have credibility. They have track records of endorsing people who should be endorsed.
That being said, Eberflus’ record as a head coach is 0-0.
Jim Harbaugh’s record as a head coach is 166-67.
Harbaugh went 49-22-1 as head coach of the
49ers. He took them to one Super Bowl and three championship games.
The reigning college coach of the year, Harbaugh is coming off a remarkable season at Michigan, having finished 12-2 and made it to the College Football Playoff before a loss to Georgia, the eventual national champion. His record at Michigan is 49-22.
His record at Stanford, a perennial loser before his arrival, was 29-21. He took the Cardinal to their first bowl game in eight years and gave them their first bowl game victory in 14. At the University of San Diego, he was 29-6.
Harbaugh is a proven head coach, a proven winner.
And he’s something else.
He’s a Bear.
But from all indications, he was not interviewed for their head coaching job.
This ranks higher on the mind-boggling scale than offering former center Olin Kreutz $15 an hour.
The fact that Harbaugh played for the Bears was not why he should have been interviewed. But the fact that he played seven years for the Bears after they chose him in the first round of the 1987 draft made him a stronger candidate. Harbaugh understands the Bears organization and its specific challenges better than almost any other declared candidate could have, except former Bear Leslie Frazier. Consideration of Harbaugh would have been a popular move with alumni, some of whom feel ignored or alienated by the team.
But there were better reasons he should have been a candidate.
Harbaugh is a natural-born leader. That was evident from his rookie training camp when he stood up to the teammate the others called “The King,” Dan Hampton. The defensive lineman took exception to Harbaugh’s running around and shoved him. Harbaugh shoved back. It wasn’t long before Harbaugh had followers of his own.
Eberflus is a defensive specialist. It’s always preferable to hire an offensive specialist if all things are equal, especially when your team has a first-round quarterback who needs to be developed. Harbaugh is an offensive specialist.
Harbaugh has called plays and developed quarterbacks, including Andrew Luck and Colin Kaepernick.
Luke Getsy, hired by the Bears on Sunday, could be the next Matt LaFleur. His potential is obvious. But no one knows with certainty what kind of play caller or quarterback developer he will be because he’s never done it in the
NFL.
Harbaugh always has been adaptable in terms of scheme. The offensive identity he is most associated with would work well in Chicago. He likes a power run game. His 49ers teams ranked in the top four in rushing offenses in his final three years. His first three offenses also ranked in the top four for points scored.
Harbaugh’s 49ers defenses also were worthy. All four of them finished in the top five of the NFL. His defensive coordinator was former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who happens to be looking for work and longing for the rigatoni Bolognese from Maria’s Bakery in Highwood.
We often talk about how coaches who struggled in their first jobs can learn from mistakes and improve in their second jobs. The same goes for coaches, like Harbaugh, who did well in their first jobs. At 58, he should be a better NFL coach now than he was with the 49ers.
Why didn’t the Bears give him more consideration? All we can do is speculate. Harbaugh probably would have cost more than Eberflus. He also might have demanded more control.
Some prices are worth paying.
At a party in Canton, Ohio, for Jim Covert’s induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame last August, Harbaugh renewed acquaintances with George McCaskey, Virginia McCaskey and other family members. The conversations were pleasant.
Harbaugh also has a history with Bill Polian, the consultant in the hiring process. Polian was in his first year as general manager of the Colts in 1997 when Harbaugh was their quarterback. The Colts had the first pick in the 1998 draft, so Polian traded Harbaugh to the
Ravens to make way for Peyton Manning.
Relationships should not have been a barrier.
It has been reported that Harbaugh is talking with the
Vikings about their head coaching position and that he could be bought out of his contract with Michigan for $1.5 million.
What is significant is Harbaugh apparently is open to moving to the NFL. But the Bears apparently were not open to him.
The Bears talk a lot about how they value their fans. Harbaugh would have made those fans happier than anyone.
Eberflus will make Bears fans happy if he wins.
But if he has to beat Harbaugh twice a year, his job is going to be more difficult.
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