Bears Rumors: 'Serious Homework' Being Done on Dolphins' Weaver, More amid HC Search

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver may be exactly what the Chicago Bears are looking for.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Bears are doing "serious homework" on Weaver and that his work with Maimi makes him an intriguing candidate.

"Sources from both the Ravens — where Weaver spent three seasons — and the Dolphins have nothing but praise for his leadership qualities," Russini wrote. "Currently, the Dolphins 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). Players have a lot of respect for the 43-year-old Weaver, describing him as "high energy," "emotionally intelligent," and someone who holds players accountable."

Russini also reported that Weaver's extensive experience could make him a desirable candidate in this year's coaching cycle more broadly:

While we might not have a one-size-fits-all definition of the "leader of men" the Bears say they are looking for, Weaver seems to fit the bill. Weaver's coaching career started as a defensive line coach with the Bills, Browns, and Texans before he was promoted to defensive coordinator with the Texans in 2020, when Romeo Crennel was promoted to associate head coach. That season didn't go as planned for Houston, leading to a coaching staff overhaul. But Weaver's path didn't stop there. He moved to Baltimore, where he became the defensive line coach and run game coordinator. In 2022, he dropped the run game coordinator title and was promoted to associate head coach. He interviewed for the Commanders' head-coaching position last year and was considered a finalist. Many people around the league believe this is the year Weaver will land the big job.

This news comes after Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that Bears owner George McCaskey will be "hands-off" in the team's search and that general manager Ryan Poles will be the person who runs the show.

"George wants Ryan to run this," a source told Jones. "(Bears president) Kevin (Warren) will get what he needs to keep him involved but it's Ryan's decision, and Ryan's running point. Philosophically George's view is football stays football. Even though the reporting structure is Ryan going to Kevin, George wants football people making football decisions."

Weaver was a second-round pick in 2002 and played seven NFL seasons. He began his coaching career at the University of Florida and has worked for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens prior to landing his position with the Dolphins.

This is his second stint as a defensive coordinator and he has helped the Dolphins become one of the top defenses in the league. Chicago, sitting at 4-12, ranks 25th in total defense entering Week 18.

While a major responsibility of the next head coach will be developing quarterback Caleb Williams, improving the performance of the defense will be vital too. With Weaver's experience and the Dolphins' recent performance, he may be the guy the Bears need.