The Chicago Bears are officially looking for a new head coach.
Just one day after finishing their 2024 NFL season with a disappointing 5-12 record, the team began requesting interviews with several head coaching candidates. Other high-profile names, like former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, are also being talked about.
Matt Eberflus, who was the Bears’ head coach, was fired after the team lost 23-20 to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. This decision came after the Bears went through a six-game losing streak that started with a defeat to the Washington Commanders in week 8.
“This morning … we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head coaching position,” said general manager Ryan Poles at the time. “I thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism and dedication to our organization.
We extend our gratitude for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
Eberflus became the first head coach in Bears history to be fired during a regular season. In his two-plus seasons, he had a 14-32 record with the team. After Eberflus was let go, Thomas Brown, who had recently been promoted to offensive coordinator after Shane Waldron was fired, took over as the interim head coach to finish the season.
Reports indicate the Bears are planning to interview at least 13 candidates for the head coaching position.
Here are some of the people the Bears have reportedly reached out to:
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Drew Petzing, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator
On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears requested an interview with Drew Petzing, the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator. Petzing helped the Cardinals create one of the best rushing offenses in the league and has worked with players like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride.
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator; Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bears have also asked to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Both Johnson and Glenn are among the top candidates for head coaching roles this offseason. Johnson helped the Lions have the second-best offense in the NFL, averaging 409.5 yards per game, and the second-best passing offense. Many believe Johnson could help unlock the potential of young quarterback Caleb Williams.
Johnson is also expected to interview for the New England Patriots’ head coach position, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have requested to interview him too.
Glenn is expected to interview with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Lions had one of the best defenses, allowing only 20.1 points per game, which was seventh in the league, despite several injuries to key players.
Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator
The Bears are also expected to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. The Dolphins allowed 21.4 points per game this season, ranking 11th in the league, and had one of the top pass defenses, allowing 210.6 yards per game.
Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator
According to Michael Silver of The Athletic, the Bears are interested in interviewing Vance Joseph, the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator. The New York Jets are also reportedly looking to interview Joseph.
Joseph was previously the Broncos’ head coach for two years but has thrived as a defensive coordinator under head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos’ defense ranked seventh in the NFL in yards allowed per game (317.1) and had the third-best scoring defense, giving up just 18.3 points per game.
Mike Vrabel, former Tennessee Titans head coach
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the Bears will interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Globe, the interview will take place on Wednesday.
Vrabel spent six seasons as the Titans’ head coach, leading them to two division titles and an AFC Championship game appearance in 2019. He worked as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns in 2024. Vrabel is also a strong candidate for the Patriots’ head coach role, given his history with the team as a former player.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears will request an interview with Joe Brady, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator.
Brady has helped quarterback Josh Allen become an MVP candidate, and the Bills had one of the NFL’s most powerful passing offenses in 2024, averaging 227.9 yards per game. Brady was also the passing game coordinator for LSU when they won a national championship with Joe Burrow as their quarterback.
Thomas Brown, Chicago Bears interim head coach
Thomas Brown, who took over as interim head coach after Matt Eberflus was fired, will also be interviewed for the permanent head coaching role. Before becoming interim head coach, Brown was the Bears’ passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator.
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
NFL Network’s Pelissero reported that the Bears are considering Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, for their head coaching position.
Under Monken’s leadership, the Ravens had the NFL’s best offense in 2024, averaging 424.9 yards per game. They were also one of two teams that averaged more than 30 points per game and had the league’s top rushing offense, gaining 187.6 yards per game.
Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys head coach
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears reached out to the Dallas Cowboys to ask permission to interview head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy has a 49-35 record in five seasons with the Cowboys and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have requested an interview with Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator.
Flores previously was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and helped the Vikings have one of the best run defenses in the NFL in 2024, allowing just 93.4 yards per game. The Vikings also ranked fifth in the league in points allowed, giving up only 19.5 points per game.
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator
Schefter also reported that the Bears have asked to interview Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Smith was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three years before joining the Steelers. He worked with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the 2024 season, helping Pittsburgh reach the playoffs. His offense ranked just outside the top-10 in rushing yards per game.
Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears will interview Mike Kafka, the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator.
Kafka is originally from Chicago and played football at St. Rita of Cascia before going on to play for Northwestern. He previously worked with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Giants in 2022 as their offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
David Shaw, Denver Broncos executive
Rapoport also reported that the Bears requested an interview with David Shaw, a Broncos executive.
Shaw was the head coach at Stanford for 12 years, posting a record of 96-54. He led the team to eight straight bowl games, including two Rose Bowl victories in 2012 and 2015. Shaw has also worked in various NFL roles with the Raiders, Ravens, and Chargers.
