Bears Lose Key Coach; Vikings Keep Eric Bieniemy in NFC North Action
The coaching landscape in the NFC North is evolving as significant changes unfold within the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. Recent developments involve the loss of key coaching figures and contract renewals that may impact team performance in the upcoming seasons.
Bears Lose Key Coach Eric Bieniemy
The Chicago Bears have recently experienced a coaching shake-up with the departure of Eric Bieniemy. He has returned to the Kansas City Chiefs, taking on the role of offensive coordinator. Bieniemy had previously served as the Bears’ running backs coach in 2025.
Under his guidance, the Bears developed one of the most effective rushing attacks in the NFL. The team finished third in the league, averaging 144.5 rushing yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. Key players like D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai notably thrived, with Swift amassing a career-high 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Monangai contributed significantly with 783 rushing yards at an impressive average of 4.6 yards per carry.
Vikings Retain Coach Brian Flores
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have taken steps to secure their defensive unit by signing defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension. This decision comes as Flores’s contract was set to expire, leading to speculation that he might have pursued other opportunities.
Flores had interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Washington Commanders before the Vikings extended his contract. However, his future remains uncertain as he is also a candidate for several head coaching vacancies. Recently, he completed in-person interviews for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens head coaching positions.
Vikings Defense Performance
Under Flores, the Vikings’ defense has shown marked improvement. Over the last three seasons, they ranked seventh, fifth, and thirteenth in points allowed. Notably, his defense successfully contained the Detroit Lions during their matchups this season, limiting them to 24 and 10 points in their two contests. In a pivotal Week 17 game, the Vikings held the Lions to a season-low 231 total yards.
Conclusion
The NFC North is witnessing crucial changes that could shape its competitive landscape. The Bears must now fill the void left by Bieniemy as they prepare for the next season, while the Vikings are looking to build on their defensive successes with Flores at the helm.
