NFC North

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs feels his team has a bright future despite Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.

"All those games, we were right there," he said. "My biggest message this offseason—from the coaches to the players—is how do we take that step? We figure out how to take that step, ain't nobody gonna be able to f--k with us in this league."

Jacobs, who's under contract for the next three seasons, added he intends to take an active role in recruiting players to Green Bay:

Josh Jacobs said the motivation for 2025 is for the #Packers to get over the hump when facing the top tier teams.

As far as next year's roster, he says, "I know I'm going to try and get some guys in here. Most definitely that." pic.twitter.com/7eIZrTzNLy

— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) January 13, 2025

The 12-point margin between the Packers and Eagles is a little deceiving. Green Bay gained more yards (302) than Philly (290), and the teams were nearly equal in yards per play, 5.0 for the Packers and 5.1 for the Eagles.

Jordan Love's three interceptions were what played a pivotal role in the outcome. The Green Bay quarterback picked an inopportune time to have his worst game of the season.

Jacobs didn't cite Love specifically, but no player needs to take that next step forward more than Love if the Packers are going to become a true title contender.

In his second full season as the starter, the 26-year-old threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63.1 percent of his passes. He did, however, finish fifth in QBR (69.4), per ESPN.com.

Jordan Love's stats on true dropbacks this season, including today.

These are non-play action, non-RPO, non-screen pass attempts. Just drop back and rip it.

57.7% completions
15 TD
15 INT
7.5 YPA
77.6 rating

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 13, 2025

The Packers made a big bet on Love when they handed him a four-year, $220 million extension. They did that with the idea he'd build on an encouraging 2023 season, and he simply failed to achieve that.

A player's developmental arc isn't always linear. It would be hasty to make any firm judgments on Love and whether he can emerge as a true franchise quarterback.

But there's no question he has to improve in order for Jacobs' proclamation to come true.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love did not place blame on his elbow for the Packers' 22-10 NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After the game, Love told reporters that the injury "didn't affect me."

Love injured his elbow in the first half during the Packers' Week 18 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears, and he later revealed that he lost feeling in his throwing hand after falling on it.

He threw for 212 yards on a 60.6 percent completion rate with zero touchdowns and three interceptions against the Eagles on Sunday.

Jordan Love tonight:

🏈 20-33
🏈 212 Passing Yards
🏈 3 Interceptions
🏈 0 Touchdowns
🏈 41.5 Passer Rating pic.twitter.com/ovmIssBaEH

— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) January 13, 2025

Packer head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that he could have returned to the game after the injury, but held him out due to precautions.

Last Monday, LaFleur told reporters that Love was "going to be okay" ahead of Sunday's game. As the week went on, he was limited during Wednesday's practice, per USA Today's Ryan Wood.

LaFleur said on Friday that Love participated fully in practice and looked good, just five days after leaving the regular season finale and was optimistic about his return, per Pro Football Talks Michael David Smith.

"He did well. Today was a good day," LaFleur told reporters.

Despite rumors surrounding his throwing elbow, it ultimately makes no difference for Love and the Packers as they head into the offseason following the loss.

Love made the third playoff appearance of his career, having been drafted No. 26 overall in 2020, but struggled to find any rhythm in the first half

The 26-year-old and the Packers dropped their final two games of the regular season and ended their campaign in disappointment on Sunday—a loss that will undoubtedly sting for Love.

"Anytime you aren't holding that Super Bowl trophy up, it's tough and it's disappointing," Love told reporters. "It sucks right now."

Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome a rough first half on Sunday, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 22-10 in their Wild Card playoff clash.

Final.#GBvsPHI pic.twitter.com/PXqaaKcm0b

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 13, 2025

With the Packers trailing by nine points and roughly five minutes left in regulation, a fourth-down pass from Love was caught just out of bounds by second-year wide receiver Malik Heath.

Defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the Eagles' ensuing drive, setting them up to take a 12-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish for the rest of the contest.

Packers' sideline shows signs of frustration

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/NMCd4O7H49

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 13, 2025

Love finished 20-of-33 for 212 yards and three interceptions, with two of the turnovers occurring during the first half. He was also sacked twice.

Welcome to Quinyonamo Bay

📺: #GBvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OE1RLV1GTw

— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2025

Picked off by @zackbizzaun!

📺: #GBvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/o6xarKqi95

— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

It's worth noting that Love was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a right elbow injury that he suffered in Week 18.

Fans still called out his subpar performance.

gotta say i do not think it’s a good strategy for jordan love to just throw it straight to eagles players but i’m no football coach so let’s see how it plays out

— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) January 12, 2025

Jordan Love has been brutal. Packers have no shot with that level of QB play

— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) January 12, 2025

Jordan Love pressing in a 2 v. 7 playoff game, not seeing the field as well as he should be, making mistakes that are sinking his team's chances.

the symmetry is interesting after last year.

— David Helman (@davidhelman_) January 12, 2025

Packers last 9 playoff possessions w/ Jordan Love dating to last season's loss to #49ers:
4 INTs
2 missed FGs
2 3 and outs
1 other punt

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 12, 2025

Brutal throw from Jordan Love, Packers defense has done everything it possibly could to keep them in it and the offense has completely blown it

— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) January 12, 2025

Ooof that was a rough one from Jordan Love

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) January 12, 2025

Jordan Love has been awful lately - not sure what he’s looking at 🤯

— Ramsoholic (@ShayTweetedThat) January 12, 2025

This does not look similar to the Jordan Love we saw in the Wild Card round in 2024

— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) January 12, 2025

Green Bay was held scoreless throughout the first two quarters of Sunday's matchup. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Keisean Nixon, setting Philadelphia up to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Packers fumble the ball on the kickoff 👀 pic.twitter.com/M4ZAwWA5BA

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 12, 2025

The Packers also failed to get on the board following a missed 38-yard field goal attempt by Brandon McManus in the second quarter.

Injuries took a toll on Green Bay.

Wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed both left the game due to a possible concussion and shoulder injury, respectively. Starting guard Elgton Jenkins suffered a shoulder injury of his own, while center Josh Myers was carted off the field in the fourth quarter.

After a promising season came to a disappointing end, fans criticized Green Bay's defeat.

How many galactically stupid plays is that for the Packers now?

Nixon.

Heath.

Slaton.

Who else?

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 13, 2025

2024 Packers were a good team that consistently did too many stupid things to be great.

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 13, 2025

Two unnecessary roughness calls in the 4th quarter of a playoff game you're trailing in.

Zero composure from this team.

That falls squarely on coaching.

— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 13, 2025

Green Bay isn’t tough enough to win a Super Bowl… we’ve been blown to pieces

— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 13, 2025

Packers season will end in the same way their whole season has been characterized - self destruction

— Brad Nortman (@BradNortmanisms) January 13, 2025

4 turnovers, 8 penalties, multiple injuries.

That's not a winning formula. #Packers season is over, after falling 22-10 to the Eagles.

— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) January 13, 2025

After a divisional round appearance in Love's first year as a full-time starter last season, the Packers' 2024 campaign came to an end in the Wild Card round.

Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has completed an interview for the Chicago Bears, the team announced on X.

This comes after the New York Jets announced they had interviewed Rivera on Jan. 2

We have completed an interview with head coach candidate Ron Rivera. pic.twitter.com/2PDpbfOxFn

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 12, 2025

Rivera was head coach for the Panthers from 2011-19 and for the Commanders from 2020-23, accumulating a 102-103-2 overall record with the two franchises. He also led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.

The Bears are also looking to interview Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman for the head coaching vacancy as the Fighting Irish head into the College Football National Championship game, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Freeman was selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He has accumulated a 33-9 record as a head coach.

In addition, the Bears have scheduled interviews with Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Rivera has a deep connection with the Bears. He was part of the 1985 Chicago team that won Super Bowl XX and later began his coaching career with the Bears, serving as a defensive quality control coach from 1997 to 1998. Rivera returned to the Bears in 2006 to serve as the defensive coordinator during Chicago's Super Bowl run that year.

The 63-year-old sat out this past season after being fired by the Commanders the day after their 2023 season ended. In his final season, the Commanders finished with an eight-game losing streak and a 4-13 record.

The Chicago Bears may look toward the college game for their next head coach.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Chicago "wants to interview" Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman for its vacancy. While Pelissero noted it is "unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures prior to" the Fighting Irish's national championship game against Ohio State on Jan. 20, the coach has been on Chicago's radar.

"The Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman," Pelissero reported. "He is only 39 years old, it would not be a shock if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL."

The Bears are looking to interview Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman for their HC opening, per @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/fjujUFyVKW

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 12, 2025

This is not the first time Freeman was on the Bears' radar, as they drafted him in the fifth round in 2009 after his linebacking career at Ohio State.

While he never played in a regular-season game, he was also a member of the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans at times before starting his coaching career.

While Freeman might be something of a surprising candidate seeing how he doesn't have any head-coaching experience, it is impossible not to be impressed with his quick rise in the college ranks.

After spending time as a graduate assistant with Ohio State, linebackers coach at Kent State, and linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Purdue, Freeman joined Cincinnati as its defensive coordinator for the 2017 campaign. He and head coach Luke Fickell helped turn the program around from a 4-8 team in 2016 to a College Football contender.

Cincinnati reached the Peach Bowl in Freeman's final season as D.C. and the CFP in the first year after he left to become Notre Dame's D.C., although he surely helped set the foundation for the program's success.

And he was only the D.C. at Notre Dame for one season before taking over as head coach when Brian Kelly left for LSU.

Freeman is 33-9 overall with the Fighting Irish and one win away from leading them to their first national championship since the 1988 campaign. They have already defeated Indiana, Georgia and Penn State leading into the showdown with the coach's alma mater.

The team's success under Freeman has surely caught the attention of the Bears, who need their own turnaround.

They haven't won a playoff game since the 2010 season and are coming off a 5-12 effort in 2024 despite elevated expectations heading into the campaign after selecting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Williams' ability to live up to his potential will ultimately determine Chicago's ceiling in the coming years, which may be reason to hesitate when it comes to Freeman. After all, he has a defensive background and might not be the perfect candidate to help a young quarterback fulfill that potential.

It would make the offensive coordinator hire all the more important if Chicago did decide to hire Freeman.

The Chicago Bears interviewed former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll on Thursday as part of the team's ongoing head coaching search.

We have completed an interview with head coach candidate Pete Carroll. pic.twitter.com/n7G6txbX5y

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 9, 2025

Up next on the list is the Las Vegas Raiders, who will reportedly host the veteran coach for an interview next week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Carroll helped lead the Seahawks to a record of 9-8 during his final year on the sidelines with the organization in 2023.

Chicago interviewed former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday, while NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Bears have also requested a meeting with Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

The Raiders, meanwhile, are still in the early stages of their coach search after firing Antonio Pierce. Former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh is among the list of candidates set to interview.

Las Vegas finished the year 4-13, completing a third straight season without a playoff appearance.

Carroll was with Seattle for 14 years, finishing with a record of 137-89-1 while winning Super Bowl XLVIII. Prior to his tenure with the Seahawks, he won a pair of national championships at USC while coaching at the school from 2001-09. One of the titles was later vacated.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Dec. 25 that Carroll was looking to return to coaching in 2025 and expressed interest in Chicago's vacancy, including the opportunity to coach Caleb Williams after his rookie season.

"Chicago, with former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is appealing to Carroll, per sources," Schefter wrote.

While the Seahawks failed to capture a division title in each of their final three seasons under Carroll, they still owned a record above .500 at the end of two years during that span. The ability to cultivate a winning environment should be a major factor for a Bears team that has only made the playoffs twice in the past 14 seasons.

Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29 while in the midst of a six-game losing streak. The Bears ended up dropping 10 consecutive contests before defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, ending the year at 5-12.

Bears on the wrong side of history again 😅 pic.twitter.com/cRQchcDDDW

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 5, 2024

As Chicago's coaching search continues, Carroll is an intriguing choice if the team wants an experienced option alongside a young offense headlined by Williams.

The Chicago Bears are hoping to make a good impression on their prospective head coaching candidates after previously building a less-than-stellar reputation.

According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, one aspect of the Bears' attempt to improve the outside perception surrounding them "will mean not making the candidates fly in economy class, according to a team source," because they historically "have been known to skimp, even for a head coaching position."

"That's going to be taken care of," a source told Cronin. "If anyone comes in to interview and digs into how we do things, they're going to understand that this is a first-class organization."

Chicago's travel plans for its coaching candidates could prove costly, as general manager Ryan Poles said he's casting a "wide net" in the search for a replacement for former head coach Matt Eberflus. Cronin noted that the Bears have known interview requests with "upwards of 14 candidates."

Still, Chicago presents one of the most intriguing landing spots for prospective head coaches this hiring cycle. 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams headlines a talented crop of core players who could have a bright future with the right leadership in place.

The Bears have endured four straight losing seasons, so hopefully their approach to their head coaching search helps them find the right person to get the franchise back on track.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the most coveted coaching candidates on the market for the third straight year, but he reportedly could choose to remain in his current role once again.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that it's not guaranteed that Johnson will take a head coaching position this time around, as he's historically shown resistance to parting ways with the Lions.

"Some people I talked to in the league believe Johnson could return to Detroit. And it doesn't seem like a leverage play," Fowler stated. "That's where he has been the past two cycles, and that could be the case again if his ideal head coaching destination isn't there."

Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported Wednesday that Johnson scheduled virtual interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots on Friday and the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Each team carries their own level of intrigue, but Johnson has never been in a rush to make the transition from offensive coordinator to head coach.

The 38-year-old told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press in May that he won't leave Detroit unless he finds the right situation.

"I'm not going to do it just to do it. I love what I'm doing right now. Love it. Love it. I love where I'm at. My family loves where we're at," Johnson said. "Love the people that we're doing it with, and so I'm not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it's going to unfold."

If Johnson chooses to leave teams at the altar once again this hiring cycle, many fans will be disappointed about missing the chance to have one of the most innovative offensive minds coaching their squad.

One of the biggest names on the NFL's ongoing coaching carousel has officially interviewed with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago announced Wednesday it completed an interview with Mike Vrabel for its head-coaching vacancy:

We have completed an interview with head coach candidate Mike Vrabel. pic.twitter.com/gls8gRYssM

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 8, 2025

Vrabel is a notable candidate given his resume as a former New England Patriots player and head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and he has also been linked to the openings with the Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders in addition to this interview with the Bears.

To say the NFC North team is leaving no stone unturned during this process would be an understatement.

As Jared Dubin and Garrett Podell of CBS Sports noted, Chicago has interviewed or will interview double-digit candidates for the open coaching position. Many of those candidates are the expected names such as Vrabel, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

However, there are also some other headline names, including former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, former Stanford head coach David Shaw, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

That Vrabel earned an interview, especially with that long of a list of candidates, is anything but a surprise.

After all, he was the head coach of the Titans for six seasons from 2018 through 2023 and finished with a winning overall record at 54-45. He also reached the playoffs three straight years during that tenure, including when he led the team to the AFC Championship Game during the 2019 campaign.

He would also surely command the respect of the locker room as a three-time Super Bowl champion, which is likely much-needed in Chicago following a tumultuous season that included a reported heated locker room exchange between former head coach Matt Eberflus and players such as Jaylon Johnson.

Still, Vrabel has a defensive background and might not be the optimal candidate to maximize Caleb Williams over the coming seasons.

Williams was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, and whether the quarterback lives up to expectations or not will likely determine the franchise's short- and long-term future. Perhaps that will inspire the front office to go with an offensive coach after the lengthy interview process is over.

For now, though, Vrabel is in the mix.

The Chicago Bears are reportedly delving into the collegiate ranks as they search for their next head coach.

Per The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell is expected to interview for the Bears' head coaching job. Campbell, who just concluded his ninth season with the Cyclones, signed an eight-year contract extension with Iowa State in December.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the first round of interviews for all candidates will be virtual.

Since Campbell took over in 2016, Iowa State has had just two losing seasons, one of which came during his first year with the team. He's led the Cyclones to seven bowl games and two Big 12 championship appearances.

This season, Iowa State had its first 10-win season in program history. The Cyclones made the Big 12 title game and were a win away from the College Football Playoff, but they lost to Arizona State. They won the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Miami to finish the year 11-3.

Campbell's success has led to interest from both college programs and NFL teams over the years. Perhaps most notably, Campbell reportedly received an eight-year, $68.5 million offer from the Detroit Lions in 2021, which he turned down to return to Iowa State. He also received an interview request from the New York Jets in 2018, but he declined.

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Campbell is considered to be a candidate for the Jets during their coaching search this year.

The Bears currently have interviews scheduled with former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Chicago announced on social media Wednesday that it had completed an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to cast a wide net when it comes to this year's coaching search, and so far, he's done that.