The Chicago Bears interviewed Thomas Brown for their head coaching position on Monday after he served as the team’s interim head coach at the end of the season.
Brown was hired as the passing game coordinator for Chicago last February. He was promoted to offensive coordinator after Shane Waldron was fired on November 12. Then, after Matt Eberflus was dismissed on November 29, Brown took over as interim head coach.
Under Brown, Chicago lost four of its final five games. The team ended with a 5-12 record, but they did end the season on a high note with a 24-22 win over Green Bay on January 5, breaking a 10-game losing streak.
The development of quarterback Caleb Williams is a major focus for the Bears following their fourth consecutive losing season. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick from last year’s draft, completed 64.9% of his passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception after Brown took over.
The Bears are casting a wide net in their search for a new head coach. On Sunday, they interviewed former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
Chicago also interviewed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Saturday. They have spoken with former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was hired by New England on Sunday.
The Bears have only made three playoff appearances since their NFC Championship appearance in 2006, and their only Super Bowl title came during the 1985 season.
Chicago believed they had a strong chance to make the playoffs this season after a busy offseason, which included adding Williams. They also acquired six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. However, instead of making a playoff run, they went into a downward spiral after starting 4-2.
