LAKE FOREST, Ill. — On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears conducted interviews for their head coaching position, speaking with veteran coach Mike McCarthy, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
McCarthy’s interview came shortly after his departure from Dallas, which occurred two days earlier. His parting, described as a mutual decision by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, followed a five-year stint with the franchise. McCarthy’s tenure concluded with a 7-10 record for the season, despite a string of three consecutive 12-5 records in the prior years. Unfortunately for Dallas, the team has not advanced beyond the divisional playoff round since claiming its last Super Bowl title in the 1995 season.
Prior to his time in Dallas, McCarthy spent 13 successful seasons with the Packers, where he amassed a record of 125 wins, 77 losses, and 2 ties from 2006 to 2018. His playoff performance stood at 10 wins and 8 losses, and he famously guided Green Bay to a Super Bowl victory 14 years ago.
Meanwhile, Smith joined the Steelers last year after a three-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. During his time there, Smith’s teams compiled a 21-30 record, culminating in three consecutive 7-10 finishes before his dismissal. In contrast, the Steelers experienced a notable improvement in scoring; they jumped from a tie for 27th place in 2023 to finishing 16th this past season, thanks in part to the acquisition of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
The Bears are currently seeking a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was let go on November 29. Chicago ended the season at the bottom of the NFC North with a disappointing 5-12 record, marked by a string of ten consecutive losses prior to a season-ending victory against Green Bay.
One of the new coach’s primary objectives will be the development of quarterback Caleb Williams, especially following the Bears’ fourth consecutive losing season. As the No. 1 overall pick from last year’s draft, Williams threw for 3,541 yards, achieving 20 touchdowns against 6 interceptions, but he endured an alarming 68 sacks, setting a franchise record.
So far, the Bears have confirmed interviews with a total of 12 candidates. This list features notable names, including Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, as well as experienced head coaches like Pete Carroll, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, and Mike Vrabel, the new head coach of the New England Patriots.
Other candidates interviewed include interim coach Thomas Brown, Ron Rivera, who previously coached Carolina and Washington, Aaron Glenn, Detroit’s defensive coordinator, David Shaw, a former Stanford coach, Drew Petzing from the Arizona Cardinals, Anthony Weaver of the Miami Dolphins, and Mike Kafka, currently the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
