The Chicago Bears’ search for a new head coach is progressing slowly, with interviews continuing as they assess a list of 20 candidates. While the process is taking longer than expected, recent developments suggest the search could intensify. On Wednesday, the Bears interviewed Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith virtually and flew in Mike McCarthy, the former Packers and Cowboys head coach, for an in-person meeting. This brings the total number of interviews to 12, though high-profile candidates like Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have yet to be approached.
General manager Ryan Poles could seek insight into McCarthy’s coaching abilities from Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who expressed his admiration for McCarthy after he was let go by Dallas. Parsons described McCarthy as a great coach and a significant loss to the team, praising his leadership and impact. McCarthy, 61, also has interviews lined up with the Saints and other teams could show interest given his proven track record, which includes a Super Bowl win with the Packers and a strong overall coaching record.
Meanwhile, two candidates previously interviewed by the Bears, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, discussed their experiences in the hiring process. Johnson, who has been highly sought after for years, mentioned being better prepared for the kinds of questions he faced this time. Known for his success with the Lions’ high-powered offense, Johnson is considered the leading candidate for the Bears’ job, though he is also being pursued by other teams like the Jaguars and Raiders. The Raiders have already made it clear that Johnson is their top target, raising concerns about the potential influence of minority owner Tom Brady, who is working for Fox Sports. Johnson clarified that he was unaware of any attempts to circumvent interview rules and stated that his only interaction with Brady was a brief encounter on the field in November.
On the other hand, Glenn, who also interviewed with the Bears, has been gaining attention from other teams as well. While his background as a defensive coach may make him a less likely fit for the Bears, he rejected the notion that he couldn’t handle both sides of the ball. He emphasized his deep understanding of offense and his readiness to work with both offensive and defensive units. As the coaching search continues, both Johnson and Glenn remain in the running, with their future destinations likely to depend on how competitive the Bears’ pursuit becomes.
