The Bears are exploring 20 candidates for their coaching position, with five key contenders emerging as favorites to watch closely.
Chicago: The Bears are on the hunt for a new head coach, and it’s quite the list they’ve got. They’ve got 20 candidates lined up, which is a lot, right? Just last week, they asked to interview Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, adding to their growing list.
It’s kind of wild how other teams seem to have it all figured out. The Patriots snagged Mike Vrabel in just a week, while the Raiders were quick to chase after Lions’ Ben Johnson. Even the Cowboys didn’t waste time after parting ways with Mike McCarthy, reaching out to Deion Sanders almost immediately.
Meanwhile, the Bears are still casting a wide net. General manager Ryan Poles mentioned they’re keeping things open, even considering a soccer coach if the fit is right. He’s all about finding the best match, saying they’re looking under every rock for talent.
But with 20 candidates, it feels a bit scattered. It’s like they’re not sure which direction to go. Poles, along with the team’s president and chairman, seem to be adding names based on their own ideas, which can make things a bit messy.
On the bright side, they don’t have to rush. If Johnson is their top pick, they might have to wait a couple of weeks to chat with him again. As they sift through interviews, five names are standing out: Johnson, Brian Flores, Pete Carroll, McCarthy, and Kliff Kingsbury.
Most of these guys have head coaching experience, except for Johnson. Carroll and McCarthy have won championships, while Flores has a solid background from his time with the Patriots. Johnson and Kingsbury have their own questions, but they could be great fits for quarterback Caleb Williams.
It’s surprising how many names are on the list beyond those five. For instance, David Shaw hasn’t coached since 2022, and Petzing just got his first coordinator gig last season. Stenavich isn’t even calling plays for the Packers.
If the Bears want to build a strong coach-quarterback relationship, Johnson and Kingsbury are the way to go. Williams has spoken highly of both. They’ll be facing off soon, which should be interesting.
If they’re leaning towards a more experienced, CEO-style coach, Carroll and McCarthy are solid choices. Both have a wealth of experience and know how to set standards. Carroll had great offenses in Seattle, while McCarthy had strong defenses in Dallas.
And if they’re looking to tighten things up after a messy season, Flores could be the guy. He’s known for his strict approach, but there are concerns about how he handled young quarterbacks in the past.
While Flores is a strong candidate, the Bears should be cautious. Tua Tagovailoa’s comments about their time together raise some red flags. It’s a lot to consider, and while they have time with the new hiring schedule, focusing on quality over quantity is key.
