The Chicago Bears’ struggles continued Monday night with a 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, extending their losing streak to eight games. At 4-10, the team has faced significant challenges this season, including coaching instability and persistent offensive woes.
However, during “Monday Night Football,” Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Troy Aikman made waves by offering a bold solution: the Bears should consider trading for San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The suggestion came amid growing concerns about the Bears’ future, particularly regarding rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Aikman praised Shanahan’s ability to develop quarterbacks and turn teams around, implying he could be the answer to Chicago’s long-term struggles.
“There has been discussion about, ‘Do you give up some picks and see if you can maybe make a deal for a guy like Kyle Shanahan?’” Aikman said during the broadcast. “I would be all in on that because he would develop a quarterback and is a hell of a head coach.”
Shanahan’s coaching reputation is well-established. Since taking over the 49ers in 2017, he has guided them to consistent success, including four NFC Championship appearances and two Super Bowl berths.
Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Shanahan has helped quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy thrive, creating hope for a similar turnaround with Caleb Williams in Chicago.
The Bears’ struggles this season have been glaring. Offensive line issues have led to Williams being sacked an NFL-high 58 times, while the team has lacked stability following the midseason firing of head coach Matt Eberflus.
Interim coach Thomas Brown has stepped in, but results have yet to improve. Aikman’s proposal highlights Chicago’s need for an experienced leader capable of rebuilding the offense and maximizing Williams’ potential.
While a trade for a sitting head coach is rare, it is not unprecedented. Aikman’s suggestion reflects the urgency surrounding the Bears’ situation and the belief that a coach of Shanahan’s caliber could be worth sacrificing draft capital.
