Cowboys-Mike McCarthy Departure Complicates Bears’ Coaching Search

Chicago: So, it looks like the Bears are in a bit of a pickle now that Mike McCarthy is out with the Cowboys. You’d think a guy with his track record would be a hot commodity, right? I mean, he’s got a solid 174-112 record and even snagged a Super Bowl with the Packers. But here’s the kicker: Bears fans have been through the wringer with their team only having one winning season in the last 14 years.

McCarthy’s name popped back up for the Bears’ head coaching gig after Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, announced they wouldn’t be renewing his contract for 2025. The Bears had already shown interest, asking to interview him right after the regular season wrapped up. But the Cowboys were hoping to keep him around, which didn’t pan out.

Now, with McCarthy available, the Bears have some stiff competition. They’re not the only team looking for a new head coach; six teams are in the hunt, including the Patriots and Saints. And while Bears fans are dreaming of other candidates like Lions’ coordinators, the Cowboys’ situation could throw a wrench in their plans.

The Bears have been busy, interviewing nine candidates already, including some big names like Pete Carroll and Ron Rivera. McCarthy, at 61, has a wealth of experience, especially with quarterbacks. That’s a big deal for the Bears, especially with Caleb Williams needing some solid guidance as he heads into his second season.

McCarthy’s got a history of working with top quarterbacks, from Joe Montana to Aaron Rodgers, and even Dak Prescott. His offenses have consistently ranked high in scoring, which is something the Bears desperately need. So while fans might be eyeing the shiny new options, McCarthy could actually be a solid choice. The Bears have had their fair share of misses in the past, so they could do a lot worse than him.