Todd Monken Emerges as Top Candidate for Bears Head Coach Position

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Bears are narrowing their search for a new head coach, with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken emerging as a leading candidate. Monken, 58, has drawn attention for his work developing MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and his ability to craft dynamic offenses.

Monken, a Chicagoland native, has over 30 years of coaching experience at both the NFL and collegiate levels. He has served as offensive coordinator for four NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and currently the Ravens. Under his leadership, Baltimore’s offense ranked first in the league this season, averaging 424.9 yards per game.

“I love the job I have — I really do, and I have a great job here,” Monken said during a press conference this week. Despite his focus on the Ravens’ playoff run, Monken has interviewed with the Bears and other teams for head coaching vacancies. NFL rules allow playoff-bound coaches to interview virtually during the postseason.

Monken’s ability to develop quarterbacks has made him an attractive candidate for the Bears, who are looking to maximize the potential of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Under Monken’s guidance, Jackson posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdown passes (41) this season.

Monken’s potential hiring could also bring changes to the Bears’ defensive staff. Sources suggest he may look to former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo or current Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to bolster the team’s defense.

While Monken remains focused on the Ravens’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, his candidacy for the Bears job highlights the challenges coaches face balancing postseason commitments with career opportunities. “The way the system is set up is unfortunate, but it is what it is,” Monken said. “But I’m excited to play the Bills — that’s where my mind’s at.”