The dust has settled on the Ryan Poles, Kevin Warren, and George McCaskey meeting with the media to discuss the team's search for a new head coach, and no matter if it is the beat reporters who cover the team or the fans who cheer for the team--there isn't much confidence that the Bears' process is sound.
Archivist @ChrisTannehill went deep into the audio vault to produce more magic, as he now presents George McCaskey's series of apologies to Bears fans over the last decade.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) January 7, 2025
Listen to the full segment as @SpiegsAndHolmes and @JasonLieser talked Bears:https://t.co/VfCAG2MJO6 pic.twitter.com/XNTUMcUfko
Even if the Bears land on Ben Johnson as their next head coach, the impression will be that the team lucked into the hire as opposed to their process leading them to the right candidate.
Poles, Warren, and McCaskey talk as if they deserve the benefit of the doubt but doubt is what has been the theme of the franchise since McCaskey took over as the team's chairman in 2011.
Chicago Bears News: Dallas Cowboys deny Bears request to speak with Mike McCarthy.
The Mike McCarthy thought exercise can be put to rest. After the Bears requested permission from the Cowboys to interview McCarthy on Monday, the Cowboys denied the request on Tuesday.
ESPN Source: The Dallas Cowboys denied permission to the Chicago Bears to interview their head coach Mike McCarthy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2025
While McCarthy's contract as the Cowboys' head coach expired upon the conclusion of the regular season, Dallas has exclusive negotiation rights until January 14. It would seem that the Cowboys are working toward a new contract for McCarthy. If a new deal is not reached by January 14, chances are the Bears will circle back to the former Green Bay Packers' head coach.
Chicago Bears News: Pete Carroll scheduled to interview on Thursday.
After there was mutual interest reported between Pete Carroll and the Chicago Bears during the closing weeks of the regular season, the two sides will meet on Thursday to discuss the team's head coaching vacancy.
Bears plan to interview former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for their vacant head coach job Thursday, sources tell me and @JFowlerESPN
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 8, 2025
The main factor working against Carroll may be his age. At 73 years old, it's hard to envision Carroll being the coach the Bears would hire for the long term. In a world where the Bears don't land Ben Johnson, Carroll's candidacy could have added meaning but a hire at this point seems unlikely.
Chicago Bears News: Initial interview schedule
The Chicago Bears will be starting the interview portion of their head coach scheduled on Wednesday. Former Tennessee Titans' head coach Mike Vrabel is interviewing for the position today. Vrabel is believed to be the overwhelming favorite to be the next head coach of the New England Patriots, who have satisfied the NFL's Rooney Rule requirement. Vrabel's interview with the Patriots is scheduled for Thursday
On Thursday, in addition to Carroll, the Bears will also be interviewing New York Giants' offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. As of now, Vrabel, Carroll, and Kafka are the only interviews within defined dates.