The time is coming when we will finally know where the Chicago Bears are headed in terms of hiring a head coach. With Week 18 right around the corner, interviews are going to start coming in from around the league as other teams let go of head coaches as well.
So far, there seem to be two clear leaders in the clubhouse for the Bears' head coaching vacancy. Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is one of the names mentioned the most, and would bring a healthy culture change to Chicago.
Meanwhile, a fan favorite is undoubtedly Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With Johnson set to listen and reportedly showing interest in the job, this seems to be the direction in which the majority of Bears fans hope to see the organization go.
But, those aren't the only two candidates who will get the Bears' attention. More than likely, Chicago is going to interview a few names, and the most recent rumor might not only surprise Bears fans, but cause them to feel ... a bit sick.
"I've talked to multiple people who believe McCarthy -- should he leave Dallas -- could set his sights on Chicago," ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler wrote in his latest column.
Yes, former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is a rumored candidate for the Bears' job, should he be fired by the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike McCarthy would be a backwards step for the Chicago Bears and fans may never forgive the organization
The past five seasons with the Cowboys, McCarthy has led the team to three winning seasons. Those winning seasons ended with an impressive record of 12-5 in three-straight years.
However, McCarthy's Cowboys hold a playoff record of just 1-3 in those three seasons, with a pair of one-and-done exits.
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McCarthy brings experience, as Fowler notes in his piece, sure. But, experience is not everything in today's NFL. McCarthy has historically been one of the worst late game-time managers in the league and is one of the sole reasons why Dallas has the postseason record they have.
He isn't an "offensive guru" by any means, either. If the Bears want to go an offensive route, then Johnson is their guy, period.
But, the "experience" card with McCarthy is a tired one. Vrabel brings experience as well, but more importantly, Vrabel would bring the law with him. If the Bears want a head coach with experience, they have to go with one who will come in and change the culture.
McCarthy isn't a culture-changing head coach. He never has been and never will be, and the Bears have to avoid him at all costs.
If Chicago wants an experienced head coach who will bring consistently mediocre results, then McCarthy is their guy. Otherwise, they better look a different direction.