The Tomlin Temptation: Why the Bears’ Bold Coaching Trade Attempt Signals a New Era of NFL Leadership on Afterthesnap.com
The Chicago Bears’ aggressive pursuit of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has sent shockwaves through the NFL, igniting a debate about the value of coaching stability versus the allure of a proven winner. While the Bears ultimately hired former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, their reported interest in Tomlin highlights a growing trend: NFL teams are willing to explore unconventional avenues, including trading for established coaches, to accelerate their path to success.
The Landscape of NFL Coaching in 2025
The 2025 NFL coaching carousel was one of the wildest in recent memory. Several high-profile jobs opened up, including those in Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, and New England. The Bears, armed with the No. 1 overall pick (Caleb Williams), a promising young roster, and significant cap space, were arguably the most attractive destination. General Manager Ryan Poles cast a wide net, interviewing a diverse group of candidates, including internal options like interim head coach Thomas Brown, and external candidates like Brian Flores, Mike Kafka, and Pete Carroll.
The Tomlin Temptation: A Gamble Worth Considering?
Amidst this flurry of activity, reports surfaced that the Bears had inquired about the possibility of trading for Mike Tomlin. Tomlin, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Steelers in June 2024, has been the Steelers head coach since 2007 and boasts an impressive resume: a Super Bowl XLIII victory, seven AFC North titles, and, most remarkably, 18 consecutive non-losing seasons – the longest streak to begin a coaching career in NFL history. Only Tom Landry (21) and Bill Belichick (19) have longer such streaks at any point in their coaching careers.
Trading for a coach, especially one as established as Tomlin, is a rare occurrence in the NFL. There have been only a handful of such trades in league history. The most recent example was in 2023, when the Denver Broncos acquired Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints, sending a first-round pick and a second-round pick in exchange for Payton and a third-round pick. Other notable coaching trades include Bill Belichick from the Jets to the Patriots in 2000, and Jon Gruden from the Raiders to the Buccaneers in 2002.
Why Tomlin? The Allure of Stability and a Winning Culture
The Bears’ interest in Tomlin, though ultimately unsuccessful, speaks volumes about the organization’s desire for stability and a proven winning culture. Since firing Lovie Smith in 2012, the Bears have struggled to find a long-term answer at head coach, cycling through Marc Trestman, John Fox, Matt Nagy, and Matt Eberflus, none of whom lasted more than four seasons.
Tomlin, in contrast, embodies consistency and leadership. He has consistently adapted to the changing landscape of the NFL, maintaining a competitive team despite roster turnover and evolving offensive and defensive schemes. His ability to cultivate a winning culture in Pittsburgh, where he has outlasted numerous star players and front office changes, is highly coveted by teams seeking to establish sustained success.
The Risks and Rewards of Trading for a Coach
Trading for a coach is not without its risks. It requires significant draft capital, potentially hindering the team’s ability to build through the draft. Moreover, it’s not always a guarantee of success. While some coaching trades have resulted in Super Bowl victories (e.g., Belichick, Gruden), others have been less fruitful.
However, the potential rewards can be immense. A proven coach can provide immediate credibility, instill a winning mentality, and accelerate the development of young players. In the Bears’ case, acquiring a coach like Tomlin could have been seen as a way to maximize the potential of Caleb Williams and expedite the team’s return to contention.
The Dawn of a New Era: Ben Johnson and the Future of the Bears
Ultimately, the Bears opted to hire Ben Johnson, one of the hottest offensive minds in the league. Johnson’s arrival signals a new era for the Bears, one focused on offensive innovation and player development. He brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of success, having led the Lions’ offense to top-five status in each of his three seasons as their Offensive Coordinator.
Johnson’s staff includes former Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen as Defensive Coordinator and Declan Doyle as Offensive Coordinator.
The Tomlin Effect: A Lasting Impact on NFL Leadership
While the Bears’ pursuit of Tomlin may have been a “temptation” that went unfulfilled, it underscores a significant shift in how NFL teams approach leadership. The willingness to explore unconventional options, including trading for established coaches, demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of coaching stability and a proven winning culture. As the NFL continues to evolve, expect more teams to consider all avenues, even those once deemed unthinkable, to gain a competitive edge and achieve sustained success.