Kyle Shanahan’s job as the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach seems secure, making it unlikely he will become a serious candidate for the Chicago Bears in 2025. However, his recent remarks about Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams could be insightful if that scenario ever arose.
During his December 4 press conference, Shanahan was asked about Williams while previewing the 49ers’ Week 14 matchup against the Bears. He did not hold back in praising the No. 1 overall pick and rookie quarterback.
“As talented as there is,” Shanahan said. “The stuff that you saw in college, you can see in the NFL. As good of a thrower as there is, born to play the position, got the athletic ability to do whatever, he’s got the speed to do whatever.
“He’s gotten a lot of playing time. He’s getting better as this year goes. I think he’s getting a lot more consistent. I think he’s been playing his best ball probably here the last few weeks. He’s put them in a chance to win here in these last few games.”
While Shanahan has praised other quarterbacks before, his words about Williams carry extra weight. As one of the NFL’s top offensive minds and head coaches, his endorsement signals the Bears might be on the right track with Williams.
Could the Bears Hire Kyle Shanahan as Head Coach?
The idea of Shanahan becoming the Bears’ next head coach is highly improbable.
Despite the 49ers’ disappointing 5-7 record, ESPN’s Adam Schefter dismissed any suggestion that San Francisco might part ways with Shanahan. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on December 2, Schefter stated he has heard “zero indication” that the 49ers would move on from Shanahan.
Still, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio floated a bold suggestion: the Bears could trade for Shanahan instead of waiting for him to become available.
“I feel like Shanahan and the 49ers are getting close to the point where they would benefit mutually from a fresh start,” Florio said. “If you can get Shanahan and join him at the hip with Caleb Williams, are you kidding me? So, I hope in this coming cycle we begin to entertain the possibility of trying to do one of these Gruden-style trades.”
If Shanahan wanted to leave and the 49ers were open to a trade — two significant uncertainties — the Bears would need to offer a substantial package. For comparison, the Denver Broncos traded a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick to acquire Sean Payton (and a third-rounder) from the New Orleans Saints. The Bears might need to offer a similar or even larger haul.
Such a trade would be a heavy price to pay, even for a coach of Shanahan’s caliber.
Ben Johnson, Joe Brady Among Favorites for Bears’ 2025 Head Coaching Job
While the idea of hiring Shanahan is intriguing, the Bears are likely to have several more practical options in the next coaching cycle.
According to BetOnline.ag, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (+350) and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (+400) are the top betting favorites to land the Bears’ head coaching job. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman (+500) and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel (+500) follow closely behind.
Given the Bears’ focus on developing Williams, other offensive-minded candidates such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen and Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach Joe Brady could also emerge as contenders.
To expedite the hiring process, the Bears would need to request interviews for some candidates — including Johnson — if their teams make the playoffs. However, this should not deter them from gathering the information necessary to make the best choice for Williams’ development.
