The National Football League has long been known as the most competitive and cutthroat league in professional sports. With only 32 teams and a limited number of roster spots, every game, every season, and every decision counts. This high-stakes environment has earned the NFL the nickname “Not For Long,” as it is not uncommon for players and coaches to have short-lived careers.
One position that is particularly susceptible to the “Not For Long” mentality is that of a head coach. In the NFL, all it takes is one bad season for a coach to find themselves on the hot seat, and with the constant pressure to win, it’s not surprising that there are often six or seven head coach openings every offseason.
This year is no different, as the NFL has already seen a handful of head coaches lose their jobs. However, amidst all the turmoil, there are two head coach jobs that have caught the attention of former NFL quarterback turned analyst, Dan Orlovsky – the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to Orlovsky, these two positions are “very attractive” for potential head coaches. And it’s easy to see why. Both teams have talented rosters, young quarterbacks with potential, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact.
Let’s start with the Chicago Bears. Despite finishing the season with an 8-8 record, the Bears have a lot of pieces in place for a potential head coach to work with. They have a stout defense led by All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack, a strong receiving corps with Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, and a young, promising quarterback in Mitchell Trubisky.
Although Trubisky’s future with the team is uncertain, there is no denying his talent and potential. Plus, with the Bears’ recent success in the playoffs under former head coach Matt Nagy, it’s clear that this team is on the cusp of something special. All they need is the right leader to take them to the next level.
The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other hand, have a bit of a different situation. While they finished with a disappointing 7-9 record, they have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert had a record-breaking rookie season, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, and is poised to be a franchise quarterback for years to come.
The Chargers also have a strong receiving corps, headlined by Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and a defense that boasts Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Derwin James. With the right head coach, this team has the potential to make a deep playoff run.
But what makes these two head coach jobs so appealing? Orlovsky points to the stability of the organizations and the potential for success. The Bears and Chargers have patient ownership and front offices that are committed to building winning teams. This is crucial for a head coach, as it allows them to focus on their job without the constant fear of being fired after one bad season.
Furthermore, both teams have young, talented quarterbacks that any coach would be excited to work with. Trubisky and Herbert both have the potential to become elite NFL quarterbacks, and with the right guidance, they could lead their teams to Super Bowl contention.
In addition, these two organizations have the resources and support to attract top coaching candidates. The Bears and Chargers are located in two of the biggest markets in the country, with passionate fan bases and state-of-the-art facilities. This, combined with the talent already on the roster, makes these jobs highly desirable for any potential head coach.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for these two teams. They both have their fair share of challenges and areas that need improvement. But with the right leader at the helm, the Bears and Chargers could quickly turn into playoff contenders and even Super Bowl contenders.
In conclusion, while the “Not For Long” mentality may still hold true for many head coaches in the NFL, the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers present a unique opportunity for a coach to build a successful and stable career. With talented rosters, young quarterbacks, and strong ownership and front offices, these two head coach jobs are undoubtedly “very attractive” for any potential candidate.
