LAKE FOREST, Ill. — On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears conducted an interview with Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they continue their search for a new head coach.

Smith joined the Steelers a year ago, following his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he compiled a record of 21 wins and 30 losses from 2021 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Falcons consistently finished with records of 7-10 in each of his three seasons before they parted ways.

During Smith’s time with the Steelers, the team saw a significant improvement in scoring, moving from a tie for 27th in 2023 to a respectable 16th place this past season. This turnaround was aided by the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who was acquired from the Bears.

The Bears are in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed on November 29. Last season, Chicago experienced difficulties, finishing at the bottom of the NFC North with a record of 5-12, including a stretch of 10 consecutive losses. However, they managed to end the season on a positive note with a victory against Green Bay.

One of the top priorities for the incoming coach will be the development of quarterback Caleb Williams, especially following the franchise’s fourth consecutive season with a losing record. Williams, the top overall pick in last year’s draft, showcased his potential by throwing for 3,541 yards, along with 20 touchdown passes and merely six interceptions. Unfortunately, he also faced significant challenges, being sacked a franchise-record and league-high 68 times.

Smith represents the 11th known candidate to interview for the Bears’ head coaching position. Prominent names on the Bears’ list include Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, and ex-Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who has since accepted a position with New England. Other candidates include interim coach Thomas Brown, former Carolina and Washington head coach Ron Rivera, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, former Stanford head coach David Shaw, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.