Chicago Bears Coaching Candidate: Anthony Weaver |
We recently started discussing the potential head coaching candidates for the Chicago Bears, which will be the main topic of conversation for a while. As most fans know, 17 initial names were listed as potential Bears Head Coaching options, and the team seems to have a plan for the type of coach they want to hire.
However, even with the names already dropped, the Bears will not shy away from adding more names to that list as they are looking to interview as many candidates as possible. Denver Broncos DC Vance Joseph was added to the list of potential interview candidates on Monday, with another surprising defensive-minded coach being linked to this team over the weekend. Anthony Weaver, the long-time defensive coach and current Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator, has been added to the list of recent candidates. Of the names added, he is the least likely option to become the head coach. Another candidate that many weren't discussing with Chicago it's clear that Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles are going to do a ton of homework on every candidate, so there is a possibility that they like something they see with Weaver. Before landing with the Dolphins, Weaver spent three seasons as part of the Baltimore Ravens and, from all accounts, was one of the more well-respected coaches in the organization. The same can be said about the Dolphins organization, as Weaver continues to receive infinite praise from both parties, especially regarding his leadership qualities. With the Bears looking for a leader-of-men candidate, hearing that Weaver is known for his leadership qualities stands out, as the Bears must feel he has what it takes to lead this team. At 44 years old, Weaver has been around the coaching ranks for several seasons, but you could make the case that he has finally come into his own this season. Not a team known for defense, Weaver has undoubtedly put his stamp on the Dolphins organization this year. They rank third in the NFL in total defense—the first time in 22 years they’ve been this high (they ranked third in 2002 as well). Had Tua not gotten hurt earlier in the season, Miami would be a playoff team that no one wants to play, knowing how good the defense has been. Several sources close to the Dolphins have described Weaver as a high-energy coach who holds players accountable and is emotionally intelligent in all things football. That fills the definition of a leader of men type of coach, and the Bears will prioritize those types of coaches throughout the interview process. Like most of the candidates the Bears are interested in, Chicago isn't the only team looking to interview Weaver. The Jacksonville Jaguars have now called to set up an interview after firing Doug Pederson. The Bears have a direction they are looking to take, especially considering how late they fired Matt Eberflus and how they went about doing it. Although Weaver isn't the most experienced coach on the market, he does have an interesting resume, and given the rave reviews that come with him, he is an intriguing choice for the Bears. With all the good that seems to come from Weaver, the Bears still need to put this into perspective and take their time finding the right guy. Hiring the team's next head coach is crucial to the organization's overall success, and it will be a massive decision as to who they choose. While Weaver is considered one of those leaders of men types, the same thing was said about Eberflus, and everyone saw how his tenure ended in Chicago. No one will say Weaver and Eberflus are the same, but there is some context to that statement, as the Bears need to do their homework to make sure they pick the right guy. Yes, both coaches possess many similarities, especially regarding how they run things, but that shouldn't shy the Bears away from giving Weaver an interview and letting him prove he could be the right fit.
