Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles confirmed that the team will have an exhaustive search to find their next head coach.
On the same day that Poles met with reporters, the official list of candidates the Bears have requested to interview has grown to over a dozen. The list includes current offensive coordinators, defensive coordinators, former head coaches, and head coaches.
In detailing the search, Poles did confirm that the team will have an extensive list of candidates.
#Bears GM Ryan Poles said the team is casting a wide net for coaches, might have surprise candidates up their sleeves. He wouldn't rule out trading draft picks for one, either.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) January 7, 2025
The newest candidate added to the list was Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Bears requested a head coach interview with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2025
Brady has been an ascending offensive coordinator in recent seasons with his work with Josh Allen and the Bills' offense raising his name to the top of the list for teams looking for offensive-minded head coaches.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that the Bears' next head coach would either be an offensive-minded head coach or a head coach who is considered "a leader of men". In speaking between the two mindsets, Poles stressed that the Bears would be looking for a candidate who has the right mix of attributes.
Poles: "The development of a young quarterback is going to be a huge factor."
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) January 7, 2025
Poles said finding a 'leader of men' is an important trait, but it'll be the candidate who can put all of the qualities they're looking for together that'll land the job.
Whether it is Brady or Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, there is no question that either would be best for the development of Williams. What the Bears' front office will need to vet is the candidate's ability to lead a room. It was what was missed in the Bears' previous vetting of former head coach Matt Eberflus and former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Along those lines, Poles confirmed that the Bears would not be hiring an outside search firm to coordinate the head coach search.
Bears director of football admin Matt Feinstein, senior director of player personnel Jeff King and chief HR officer Liz Geist will join Ryan Poles, Kevin Warren and George McCaskey on the interview panel. Ian Cunningham will when time allows as he seeks GM opportunities.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 7, 2025
Poles also confirmed that he would be the one to make the final decision on the head coach hire.
The interview process will seemingly get started on Wednesday for the Bears as the team will be meeting with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel's interview will likely be the first of many the Bears have this week.