The Chicago Bears conducted an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday for their coaching vacancy.

At 49 years old, Vrabel compiled a record of 54-45 during his tenure in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023, which included three playoff appearances. His most notable achievement came in 2019, when his team advanced to the AFC Championship but ultimately lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl. Following that successful season, the Titans continued to perform well, boasting a combined record of 23-10 and claiming consecutive AFC South championships. However, the last two seasons saw a decline, with the team finishing at 7-10 in 2022 and 6-11 in 2023.

Before his coaching career, Vrabel was known as a tough linebacker who won three Super Bowl titles during 14 years of play with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs from 1997 to 2010. He earned All-Pro honors with the Patriots in 2007, showcasing his skills on the field.

The Bears are eager to find a coach who can guide quarterback Caleb Williams toward becoming a key player for the franchise, as the team wrapped up last in the NFC North with a record of 5-12. In a notable move, the Bears made history by firing head coach Matt Eberflus during the season on November 29, as the team suffered through a 10-game losing streak.

Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is considered a leading candidate for the coaching position. Other potential candidates include former Seattle coach Pete Carroll, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Buffalo’s Joe Brady, and even Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Furthermore, the Bears have sought permission to interview Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

In addition to Vrabel, interim coach Thomas Brown is also in contention, while general manager Ryan Poles has expressed willingness to consider trading draft picks for the right coach.

Since reaching the NFC Championship game in 2006, the Bears have only made three playoff appearances. Windy City fans have been waiting for a return to glory since the franchise last captured a Super Bowl title in the 1985 season. Under Poles’ management, the team has a disappointing record of 15-36 across three seasons.

The Bears entered this past offseason with expectations of contending for a playoff spot, particularly after selecting Williams with the first overall draft pick and acquiring six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. However, following a promising 4-2 start, the team experienced a dramatic downward spiral.

Besides dismissing Eberflus, the organization has also parted ways with two offensive coordinators in the previous year. Shane Waldron, who was brought in to replace Luke Getsy, had a brief tenure of just nine games before being let go.