Chicago Bears Request Permission to Interview Indianapolis Colts OC Bruce Arians

Dec 30 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians watches warm ups before the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Add Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator and interim head coach Bruce Arians to the Chicago Bears’ growing list of head coaching candidates.  Numerous reports indicate the Bears have requested permission to interview the coach of the year candidate.

How does an offensive coordinator become a coach of the year candidate you ask?  Here’s how.  When Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, Arians stepped in to take over the Colts and led a 2-14 team from 2011 to a 9-3 record during his tenure and into the playoffs.

Arians has kicked around the NFL on and off (mostly on) since the late 80’s.  His most notable run was as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-2011.  He has a Super Bowl ring from Super Bowl XLIII.

Phil Emery has kept to his word of being thorough and thoughtful in the process.  Arians is at least the 7th known candidate to emerge.   He’s the 5th offensive coordinator under consideration.

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