After a 5-12, last-place season that included 10 consecutive losses and the in-season firings of coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Chicago Bears embarked on a wide-ranging search to hire the franchise’s next head coach.
That mission was completed Jan. 21 when the organization hired Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator who was highly sought during this hiring cycle.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles began the search promising to cast a wide net, hoping to speak with coaches from many backgrounds with varying experience.
“We’re turning every stone to make sure we’re doing this the right way,” he said. “We’re going to move with urgency, but we’re not going to rush the process. Again, because we want it to be a sound process.”
The Tribune has been tracking all of the latest developments — and what comes next.
- Column: Guided by self-awareness, Ben Johnson is finally prepared for his role as head coach of the Bears
- Inside the Ben Johnson hiring: What convinced him Bears are ‘set up for success’ — and how they were ‘ready to pounce’
- 10 things we heard at Ben Johnson’s Bears introduction, including why he’s prepared to be a head coach
- Column: George McCaskey gets a rare ‘W’ with the hiring of Ben Johnson as the next Bears coach
- How will new Bears coach Ben Johnson elevate Caleb Williams? ‘This offense will be calibrated with him in mind.’
- Bears coaching search: Who were candidates for the job
- Bears GM Ryan Poles offers his assessment of 2024 — while his bosses bet he’ll learn from his mistakes
Tuesday
Bears are hiring Richard Smith and Jeremy Garrett as assistant coaches
What it means: Ben Johnson continues to add to his coaching staff, supplying defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with two new position coaches. Smith, the Tribune has learned, will coach the linebackers. Garrett, according to reports, will oversee the defensive line.
They join a defensive staff that also includes defensive backs coach Al Harris and defensive assistant Bill Johnson.
Smith, 69, has been coaching in the NFL for the last 37 seasons, the last three coaching the Indianapolis Colts linebackers under coordinator Gus Bradley. He also has six seasons of defensive coordinator experience with the Miami Dolphins (2005), Houston Texans (2006-08) and Atlanta Falcons (2015-16).
Interestingly, Smith’s son Travis spent the last three seasons as the Bears defensive line coach under Matt Eberflus but was not retained after Johnson became the coach.
The defensive line role will be taken over by Garrett, who spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent 2022 and 2023 in the college ranks, at Liberty and Auburn, respectively, and coached the Cleveland Browns defensive line for two seasons in 2020-21.
Last week Johnson finalized the hiring of Allen and Declan Doyle as his defensive and offensive coordinators while retaining Richard Hightower to oversee special teams.
On offense Johnson has stockpiled a talented group of new assistants, including Eric Bieniemy (running backs), Antwaan Randle El (wide receivers/assistant head coach), J.T. Barrett (quarterbacks), Press Taylor (passing game coordinator) and Dan Roushar (offensive line). The Bears also retained tight ends coach Jim Dray.
Monday
Bears add an offensive line coach — but part ways with another coach
What it means: The Bears are expected to hire Dan Roushar as offensive line coach — a critical role as new coach Ben Johnson works toward finalizing his staff.
Roushar, 64, spent the last two seasons at Tulane and also has ample NFL experience. He spent 10 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, coaching a unit that became one of the better lines in the league protecting quarterback Drew Brees.
But Johnson is going a different direction with the head strength and conditioning coach role, letting Jim Arthur go.
The move ends Arthur’s second stint with the team after three seasons. Previously, he worked 11 years for the Bears in strength and conditioning, coming in under strength coach Rusty Jones on Lovie Smith’s staff in 2005.
Arthur worked for the Miami Dolphins from 2016-21 and was an assistant for the Buffalo Bills from 2002-04.
Jan. 27
Thomas Brown is joining the New England Patriots coaching staff
What it means: After one whirlwind season at Halas Hall, Brown has agreed to join Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff in New England, according to NFL Network. Brown will be the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach after serving as the Bears interim head coach for the final five games of this season.
Brown was promoted to that role after the Nov. 29 firing of Matt Eberflus. He had been the offensive coordinator for three games, assuming those responsibilities after the Bears fired Shane Waldron in Week 11. Before that promotion, Brown was the Bears passing game coordinator under Eberflus and Waldron.
Brown called the experience “difficult.”
“It was challenging,” he said after the season. “But I learned a lot more about myself just this year — and I’ve probably grown more as a coach — than the last maybe two or three years combined. Just because of having to wear three different hats in the same building and also having to adjust and adapt on the fly. … Difficult is a part of life. And difficult doesn’t mean irrelevant.”
Brown went 1-4 as interim coach but helped the Bears win their season finale with a 24-22 upset of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. That game ended with a drive led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and punctuated by a walk-off 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.
Brown was in the mix to remain Bears coach and interviewed for that position Jan. 13. He was one of 17 candidates the team announced interviews with. But the Bears ultimately landed their top target with last week’s hiring of Ben Johnson. Now Brown will move on to a new job with a new organization; the Patriots will be his fourth team in as many seasons.
Jan. 26
Ben Johnson is finalizing his coordinators with Dennis Allen on defense and Declan Doyle on offense
What it means: In addition to the hirings of Allen and Doyle, the Bears plan to retain Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator.
Johnson’s coaching staff is coming together quickly in the first week since he became the Bears coach, and solidifying his coordinators is a big step in the process.
Johnson acknowledged last week he never had coached with or even met Allen. So quickly forging a working relationship with his new defensive coordinator will be a challenge and a top priority.
Allen, 52, spent the last three seasons as the New Orleans Saints coach and had a previous 36-game run as the Oakland Raiders coach from 2012-14. His winning percentage as a head coach (.329) left something to be desired, but his experience in that role should be helpful to Johnson.
In addition to having the experience and ability to take the reins of the Bears defense, Allen should help Johnson transition into the head coaching role for the first time by helping him anticipate issues, resolve problems and identify blind spots.
Allen also has eight seasons of coordinator experience, including one with John Fox in Denver (2011) and seven with Sean Payton in New Orleans (2015-21). Over the years, his defenses have been aggressive and proved adaptable. It stands to reason that he will continue to run a 4-3 system with the Bears.
Doyle, 28, also comes from the Payton tree, having spent the last two seasons as the Broncos tight ends coach. Doyle was an offensive assistant in New Orleans for four seasons before that, one under Allen and three under Payton. With Johnson planning to call plays for the Bears offense, Doyle will be instrumental in the preparation process for each game.
Jan. 24
Bears hire Antwaan Randle El as wide receivers coach/assistant head coach and J.T. Barrett as quarterbacks coach
What this means: Two days after being announced as the Bears coach, Ben Johnson made several significant additions to his coaching staff, including two familiar faces. Randle El and Barrett were with Johnson in Detroit as wide receivers coach and assistant quarterbacks coach, respectively, and will help Johnson get his program launched at Halas Hall.
Johnson also has hired Al Harris to coach the Bears defensive backs.
Randle El is a local product who starred at Thornton High School in Harvey. He went on to become a two-time All-Big Ten quarterback and Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner at Indiana before enjoying a nine-season NFL career as a wide receiver with Pittsburgh and Washington.
Randle El’s coaching career begin in 2019 with Tampa Bay. He spent the last two seasons with Johnson in Detroit working with the Lions receivers, continuing the development of All-Pro playmaker Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions offense finished the 2024 regular season with 68 touchdowns — more than double the Bears offense’s total. Detroit also averaged a league-best 33.2 points per game.
Barrett, 30, was in the quarterbacks room with Jared Goff in Detroit, serving beneath Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell. As a player, Barrett was a three-time All-Big Ten quarterback at Ohio State and won the Silver Football in 2016 before spending two seasons in the NFL on the practice squads of the Saints, Seahawks and Steelers. He will be tasked with overseeing the development of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Harris has been coaching the Dallas Cowboys secondary for the last five seasons and was Mike McCarthy’s assistant head coach this season. In 15 NFL seasons as a player, Harris totaled 21 interceptions and earned two Pro Bowl selections. He will take over a cornerbacks group at Halas Hall that includes two-time Pro Bowl honoree Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson.
Jan. 20
Bears to hire Detroit Lions coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach
What it means: The search is over. The Bears have found their man. Fifty-three days after Matt Eberflus was fired and 12 days after team higher-ups began interviewing head coaching candidates, the Bears reached an agreement to make Johnson the 19th head coach in franchise history.
The news broke less than 41 hours after Johnson’s season in Detroit came to an abrupt end in a 45-31 playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. And the union was solidified before Johnson conducted an in-person interview at Halas Hall. That’s how serious both sides were in getting something done.
The Bears knew they had competition in their pursuit of Johnson, most notably from the Las Vegas Raiders and, to a lesser extent, from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet general manager Ryan Poles, under the guidance of Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren, made sure to finish the deal with Johnson, who was widely considered to be the hottest candidate within this hiring cycle.
Johnson’s resume is impressive. This season, he called the plays for the NFL’s highest-scoring offense with the Lions averaging 33.2 points per game and totaling 68 offensive touchdowns. Quarterback Jared Goff was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdown passes and a 111.8 passer rating. Four other Lions offensive players received Pro Bowl honors: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive linemen Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.
Johnson will now get to work putting together a coaching staff. And he must then gain a more thorough understanding of the Bears’ entire roster as he works to build the team back into a playoff contender.
Jan. 19
Bears interviewed Tennessee State coach Eddie George
What it means: The buzz inside league circles Sunday was that the Eddie George interview was likely a step taken by the Bears to become fully compliant with the NFL’s Rooney Rule. George became the second minority candidate to have an in-person interview with the organization following Ron Rivera, who had visited Halas Hall a week earlier.
The Detroit Lions’ exit from the NFC playoffs Saturday changed the dynamics and timelines for Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn inside this hiring cycle. Both Lions coordinators will now be available to be interviewed in person and hired by any NFL team starting Monday. The Bears seem to be readying themselves to take their big swing at landing Johnson — or pivot if the Lions OC takes a job elsewhere. (The Las Vegas Raiders seem to present the stiffest competition and were scheduled to interview Washington Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark for their open GM position Sunday. Newmark, who spent 26 years with the Lions, and Johnson are tight.)
George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, has spent the past four seasons coaching at Tennessee State and helped the Tigers to an Ohio Valley Conference championship this past season. George is 24-22 overall at Tennessee State and, at this juncture, faces a steep climb to become a head coach on the NFL level.
Jan. 18
Bears interviewed Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich
What it means: Stenavich has been the Packers offensive coordinator for the last three seasons. Before that, he was the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. He was the assistant O-line coach for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons and also spent six seasons coaching at the college level.
Stenavich, 41, helped the Packers run a top-five overall and rushing offense in 2024. But he also is somewhat lacking in key experience since coach Matt LaFleur is the play caller.
He is the 16th candidate to interview for the Bears job.
Bears interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
What it means: Flores is the 15th known candidate to complete an interview for the Bears job and did so five days after his Vikings were bumped from the playoffs with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That defeat put an end to an overall impressive season for the Vikings, who won 14 regular-season games and did so with an aggressive and attacking defense that Flores helped propel to 33 takeaways, a league high.
Minnesota also had the NFL’s fourth-ranked third-down defense, allowing conversions on just 35.6% of third downs. Three defenders — cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard — earned Pro Bowl honors this season.
Flores had a sub-.500 record in his first stint as a head coach for three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. But throughout a long stay in New England, he was part of four Super Bowl-winning teams with the Patriots. He is known for his demanding coaching style which, at times, includes a bit of an abrasive edge. The Bears will have to feel out Flores overall fit for what they are looking for now.
Among other NFL coaches who have been requested for interviews by the Bears or linked to the job in some capacity, those who have yet to complete interviews include Adam Stenavich, Vance Joseph and Kliff Kingsbury.
Bears reportedly inquired about a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin
What it means: ESPN reported Saturday morning that the Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they could speak with Tomlin and potentially initiate a trade. However, the Steelers decided to “rebuff” their inquiries, telling teams that Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Tomlin has been the Steelers coach for 18 seasons with a 183-107-2 record. He has led them to 12 playoff berths, including this season when the Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.
Bears GM Ryan Poles left open the possibility of a trade for a coach when he discussed the Bears search earlier this month.
Jan. 17
Bears interviewed Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady
What it means: Brady completed his initial virtual interview with the Bears two nights before the Bills are set to meet the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. He also interviewed with the New Orleans Saints on Friday night.
In his first full season as Bills offensive coordinator, Brady, 35, directed the AFC’s top scoring offense, with the Bills averaging 30.9 points per game. He originally joined the Bills in 2022 as Josh Allen’s quarterbacks coach. This season, Allen threw for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
Brady also has served as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator for two seasons and was the passing game coordinator for LSU during the 2019 national championship season with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
Bears interviewed Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
What it means: Monken is the 13th known candidate to complete an interview for the Bears coach opening and did so over videoconferencing two days before his Ravens face the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs.
Monken has been in Baltimore for two seasons and has put his fingerprints all over a dynamic Ravens offense. In 2023, he helped Lamar Jackson win his second Most Valuable Player award with the quarterback amassing 4,599 total yards and 29 touchdowns. Jackson was even better this season with 5,087 yards and 45 TDs and could be in line to claim his third MVP trophy next month.
In addition, running back Derrick Henry ran for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns this season as the Ravens led the NFL in rushing by a wide margin, averaging 187.6 yards per game. They also averaged 30.5 points per game during the regular season, then blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 in the opening round of the playoffs with a 299-yard rushing output.
Monken is an alumnus of Wheaton North High School and Knox College and in recent years held offensive coordinator duties for the University of Georgia (2020-22), the Cleveland Browns (2019) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-18).
Titans hired Mike Borgonzi as general manager over the Bears’ Ian Cunningham
What it means: Borgonzi, who has been with the Kansas City Chiefs organization since 2009 and was the team’s assistant general manager for the last four seasons, will take over the GM chair in Nashville, Tenn., following the firing of Ran Carthon earlier this month. Through a Bears lens, it also means Ian Cunningham will not be departing Halas Hall.
Cunningham, who has been the Bears assistant general manager under Ryan Poles since 2022, had two interviews with the Titans for their GM opening — a virtual meeting Sunday and an in-person interview as a finalist Wednesday. But ultimately the Titans chose Borgonzi.
Two other GM openings remain in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. But Cunningham has not been linked to either job.
Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, the Bears would receive draft compensation — one third-round pick in consecutive drafts — if and when Cunningham departs for a GM job. As of now, that doesn’t appear to be in the works this offseason.
Jan. 15
Bears interviewed former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy watches from the sideline during a game against the Bears on Oct. 30, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: McCarthy is among the most experienced and accomplished coaches the Bears will interview this month.
McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways on Monday after failing to come to an agreement on a contract extension. McCarthy, 61, instantly became one of the more intriguing names in this hiring cycle.
The 18-year NFL head coach has made 12 playoff appearances in 13 years with the Green Bay Packers and five years with the Cowboys. His teams have gone 11-11 in the postseason, with the 2010 Packers winning the Super Bowl.
McCarthy has important experience with quarterbacks, including developing Aaron Rodgers and more recently working with Dak Prescott.
Bears interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith
What it means: Smith finished his first season as Steelers offensive coordinator working with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The 10-8 Steelers, who lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs, ranked near the middle of the league in points and yards per game. Smith went 21-30 in his only head coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons the previous three seasons.
Before the Falcons, Smith was the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator for two seasons and helped direct an offense that rose to be a top five unit in 2020.
A 16-year NFL coach, Smith, 42, is an experienced candidate — but also one that has had mixed results.
Jan. 14
Bears interviewed Broncos senior personnel executive David Shaw
What it means: The team announced its interview with Shaw, who is the 10th known candidate to complete an interview for the head coaching opening.
Shaw has been in Denver since June, serving under general manager George Paton and helping the organization with its college and pro talent evaluation. Previously, he was head coach at Stanford for 12 seasons, where he led the Cardinal to 96 wins and took the program to a bowl game in each of the first eight seasons.
Shaw was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year four times, including in 2011 when he coached star quarterback Andrew Luck, who became the No. 1 pick in the next spring’s draft. He is still considered a long shot to get the Bears job.
The Bears will continue interviews on Wednesday with former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy in the queue. McCarthy, according to the NFL Network, is expected to conduct his interview in person.
Jan. 13
Bears interviewed interim coach Thomas Brown
What it means: Over the course of a few weeks in November with the Bears, Brown rose from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator to interim head coach after the firings of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and coach Matt Eberflus.
That shifting job landscape didn’t make for the ideal situation for Brown to make his head coaching debut, and the Bears went 1-4 under his leadership, their lone win coming in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears, however, acknowledged the difficult circumstances and gave Brown an interview, in which he hoped to sell his vision and explain how he would do things differently with a full year at the helm.
Brown previously was the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator in 2023 and before that was an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mike McCarthy is leaving the Dallas Cowboys
What it means: McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys, after five seasons and three playoff appearances, was set to expire Tuesday, and NFL Network reported Monday morning the sides couldn’t agree on a contract length.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones later confirmed in a statement that McCarthy won’t return, saying the coach and organization mutually agreed to part ways.
“I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure,” Jones said.
The Bears last week requested an interview with McCarthy, an 18-year NFL head coaching veteran, but the Cowboys denied the request. Now McCarthy will be able to speak with any team he chooses.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys become the seventh team making a head coaching change, though the New England Patriots already found their new coach in Mike Vrabel.
Before the Cowboys, McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to nine playoff appearances and one Super Bowl win in 13 seasons through 2018.
Jan. 12
Bears interviewed longtime NFL coach Ron Rivera
Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera during a news conference on Jan. 18, 2007, at Halas Hall. (Jim Prisching/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: Rivera spent 13 years as an NFL head coach — nine with the Carolina Panthers and more recently four with the Washington Commanders through 2023. He has a 102-103 record in his career, but he hasn’t had a winning season since 2017 with the Panthers.
He previously worked for the Bears as their defensive coordinator from 2004-06 and was the San Diego Chargers coordinator for three seasons. Rivera, a former linebacker, also played for the Bears for nine seasons and earned a Super Bowl ring with the 1985 team.
New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their new coach
What it means: Four days after having a virtual interview with the Bears, Vrabel reunited with the Patriots, the team with which he spent eight seasons and won three Super Bowls as a player. Vrabel’s return to New England was hardly a surprise. But the move filled one of six head coaching jobs open in the league, leaving the Bears, Saints, Jets, Raiders and Jaguars with the remaining vacancies.
Vrabel was on a very short list for the Patriots, who were also serious in their consideration of Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson is on the Bears’ radar and had a virtual interview with the team on Saturday.
The Patriots also interviewed Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich for their opening but were targeted and purposeful with their search and hired Vrabel less than a week after firing Jerod Mayo as head coach.
The Bears, meanwhile, will continue with their interviews this week, progressing through a list of 18 known candidates linked to the opening.
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham completed a virtual interview for the Tennessee Titans GM job
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham speaks about the upcoming NFL draft on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: Cunningham is back in the mix for the Titans GM job two years after being a finalist in Tennessee for that same role. The Titans ultimately hired Ran Carthon in 2023.
Bears GM Ryan Poles said last week he would give Cunningham the freedom to explore his career advancement this month. And it would not be a surprise if Cunningham again garnered serious consideration in Tennessee.
As it stands, his interview Sunday was part of the Titans’ first round of interviews. The team has also announced interviews with Thomas Dimitroff, John Spytek, Ed Dodds, Reggie McKenzie, Matt Berry and Mike Borgonzi.
Other GM jobs currently open in the league are with the Jets and Raiders.
Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule hiring regulations, if Cunningham were to be hired by another team for a GM role, the Bears would receive a third-round compensatory pick for this year’s draft plus another in the 2026 draft.
Jan. 11
Bears interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
What it means: The Bears knocked out both Lions coordinators interviews during Detroit’s first-round playoff bye.
Glenn is in his fourth season as Lions defensive coordinator and 11th season as an NFL coach, including with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.
The Lions defense ranks seventh with 20.1 points allowed per game and also leads the league in third-down percentage at 32.4%.
As with all defensive-minded candidates, the Bears will need to hear Glenn’s plan for his offensive staff and how to help quarterback Caleb Williams succeed.
Bears interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
What it means: Johnson is one of the top candidates of this NFL hiring cycle after directing a Lions offense that led the league with 33.2 points per game and was second with 409.5 yards per game this season.
Johnson has been the Lions coordinator since 2022 and has played a large role in their rise to become the NFC’s No. 1 seed in this year’s playoffs under coach Dan Campbell.
The Bears needed to examine Johnson’s overall leadership plan and style along with his fit with quarterback Caleb Williams as they determine whether he’s their coach of the future.
Jan. 9
Bears interviewed New York Giants assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka
Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, a St. Rita graduate, talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes during practice on Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla. (Mark Brown/Getty Images)
What it means: The St. Rita and Northwestern graduate was previously on the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff when GM Ryan Poles was there. Kafka spent five seasons with the Chiefs, including four as the quarterbacks coach for Patrick Mahomes. He also was the passing game coordinator for the last two.
Kafka, 37, has been with the Giants for three seasons. The Giants offense, with three different starting quarterbacks this season, ranked 30th in yards per game and 31st in points per game.
Bears interviewed former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll
What it means: Carroll, 73, has a lengthy resume featuring accomplishments the Bears have only dreamed about in recent years. In 14 seasons with the Seahawks (2010-23), Carroll led the team to 10 playoff berths, two Super Bowls and the Super Bowl XLVIII championship in the 2013 season.
He has helped both young and veteran quarterbacks thrive but would need a strong offensive coordinator to come with him to help guide quarterback Caleb Williams. Carroll and the Seahawks parted ways after last season following a three-year stretch with a 25-26 record and one playoff berth.
Bears interviewed Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
What it means: Weaver, 44, was the third candidate to complete a virtual meeting with the team. He just finished his first season in Miami, solidifying the Dolphins defense as a top-10 unit that allowed an average of 314.4 yards and 21.3 points.
Weaver, who runs a 3-4 system with the Dolphins, played at Notre Dame and has seven seasons of NFL coaching experience, with his most extensive background as a defensive line coach. He also spent two seasons as the assistant head coach to John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thomas Brown is expected to interview for the Seahawks offensive coordinator opening
What it means: While Brown is scheduled to meet with Bears brass to discuss his opportunity to remain head coach, the organization’s desire to reboot likely will lead it in a new direction. That will leave Brown seeking a new home, and he will explore one option with the Seahawks this weekend, according to multiple reports.
Seattle’s offensive coordinator position came open this week when coach Mike Macdonald fired Ryan Grubb. Grubb spent only one season in that role, replacing Shane Waldron last winter.
Macdonald cited vision differences with Grubb as a factor in his decision. If the Seahawks are looking for more balance in their offense with a greater dedication to the running game, Brown might emerge as an intriguing candidate.
It’s worth noting that Brown and Macdonald overlapped for one season at Georgia in 2011 when Brown was the program’s strength and conditioning coach and Macdonald was a quality control coach.
Jan. 8
Bears interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel
What it means: Vrabel, who went 54-45 over six seasons with the Titans, is one of the hottest names in this hiring cycle. A consultant for the Cleveland Browns this season, Vrabel already interviewed with the New York Jets and reportedly has the New England Patriots on his schedule for Thursday. Vrabel, 49, played eight of his 14 NFL seasons with the Patriots and is considered a front-runner for that job.
The former linebacker has a defensive background, so the Bears undoubtedly asked him to present a plan for quarterback Caleb Williams, including a list of potential coordinators and coaches who would accompany him to Chicago. Bears players who played under Vrabel in Tennessee said he is a no-nonsense, detailed coach who would set a standard from the beginning.
Bears interviewed Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing
What it means: Petzing, 37, has been an offensive coordinator for only two seasons with the Cardinals. This season he directed a top-10 rushing offense helped by quarterback Kyler Murray. Before the Cardinals, Petzing worked for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons, including as the quarterbacks coach in 2022. He also spent six seasons as a Minnesota Vikings assistant.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon told Arizona reporters he was excited for Petzing to receive interest from other teams to be a head coach.
“He knows how to teach,” Gannon said. “He’s got really good command and can get the best out of people. He’s extremely intelligent and I think he knows what’s going on. He’s had some good experiences around a lot of good guys. … He’s been trained the right way.”
We’re tracking all the latest coaching and staff developments with news, notes and nuggets from the search — and what comes next.
After a 5-12, last-place season that included 10 consecutive losses and the in-season firings of coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Chicago Bears embarked on a wide-ranging search to hire the franchise’s next head coach.
That mission was completed Jan. 21 when the organization hired Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator who was highly sought during this hiring cycle.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles began the search promising to cast a wide net, hoping to speak with coaches from many backgrounds with varying experience.
“We’re turning every stone to make sure we’re doing this the right way,” he said. “We’re going to move with urgency, but we’re not going to rush the process. Again, because we want it to be a sound process.”
The Tribune has been tracking all of the latest developments — and what comes next.
- Column: Guided by self-awareness, Ben Johnson is finally prepared for his role as head coach of the Bears
- Inside the Ben Johnson hiring: What convinced him Bears are ‘set up for success’ — and how they were ‘ready to pounce’
- 10 things we heard at Ben Johnson’s Bears introduction, including why he’s prepared to be a head coach
- Column: George McCaskey gets a rare ‘W’ with the hiring of Ben Johnson as the next Bears coach
- How will new Bears coach Ben Johnson elevate Caleb Williams? ‘This offense will be calibrated with him in mind.’
- Bears coaching search: Who were candidates for the job
- Bears GM Ryan Poles offers his assessment of 2024 — while his bosses bet he’ll learn from his mistakes
Tuesday
Bears are hiring Richard Smith and Jeremy Garrett as assistant coaches
What it means: Ben Johnson continues to add to his coaching staff, supplying defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with two new position coaches. Smith, the Tribune has learned, will coach the linebackers. Garrett, according to reports, will oversee the defensive line.
They join a defensive staff that also includes defensive backs coach Al Harris and defensive assistant Bill Johnson.
Smith, 69, has been coaching in the NFL for the last 37 seasons, the last three coaching the Indianapolis Colts linebackers under coordinator Gus Bradley. He also has six seasons of defensive coordinator experience with the Miami Dolphins (2005), Houston Texans (2006-08) and Atlanta Falcons (2015-16).
Interestingly, Smith’s son Travis spent the last three seasons as the Bears defensive line coach under Matt Eberflus but was not retained after Johnson became the coach.
The defensive line role will be taken over by Garrett, who spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent 2022 and 2023 in the college ranks, at Liberty and Auburn, respectively, and coached the Cleveland Browns defensive line for two seasons in 2020-21.
Last week Johnson finalized the hiring of Allen and Declan Doyle as his defensive and offensive coordinators while retaining Richard Hightower to oversee special teams.
On offense Johnson has stockpiled a talented group of new assistants, including Eric Bieniemy (running backs), Antwaan Randle El (wide receivers/assistant head coach), J.T. Barrett (quarterbacks), Press Taylor (passing game coordinator) and Dan Roushar (offensive line). The Bears also retained tight ends coach Jim Dray.
Monday
Bears add an offensive line coach — but part ways with another coach
What it means: The Bears are expected to hire Dan Roushar as offensive line coach — a critical role as new coach Ben Johnson works toward finalizing his staff.
Roushar, 64, spent the last two seasons at Tulane and also has ample NFL experience. He spent 10 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, coaching a unit that became one of the better lines in the league protecting quarterback Drew Brees.
But Johnson is going a different direction with the head strength and conditioning coach role, letting Jim Arthur go.
The move ends Arthur’s second stint with the team after three seasons. Previously, he worked 11 years for the Bears in strength and conditioning, coming in under strength coach Rusty Jones on Lovie Smith’s staff in 2005.
Arthur worked for the Miami Dolphins from 2016-21 and was an assistant for the Buffalo Bills from 2002-04.
Jan. 27
Thomas Brown is joining the New England Patriots coaching staff
What it means: After one whirlwind season at Halas Hall, Brown has agreed to join Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff in New England, according to NFL Network. Brown will be the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach after serving as the Bears interim head coach for the final five games of this season.
Brown was promoted to that role after the Nov. 29 firing of Matt Eberflus. He had been the offensive coordinator for three games, assuming those responsibilities after the Bears fired Shane Waldron in Week 11. Before that promotion, Brown was the Bears passing game coordinator under Eberflus and Waldron.
Brown called the experience “difficult.”
“It was challenging,” he said after the season. “But I learned a lot more about myself just this year — and I’ve probably grown more as a coach — than the last maybe two or three years combined. Just because of having to wear three different hats in the same building and also having to adjust and adapt on the fly. … Difficult is a part of life. And difficult doesn’t mean irrelevant.”
Brown went 1-4 as interim coach but helped the Bears win their season finale with a 24-22 upset of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. That game ended with a drive led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and punctuated by a walk-off 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.
Brown was in the mix to remain Bears coach and interviewed for that position Jan. 13. He was one of 17 candidates the team announced interviews with. But the Bears ultimately landed their top target with last week’s hiring of Ben Johnson. Now Brown will move on to a new job with a new organization; the Patriots will be his fourth team in as many seasons.
Jan. 26
Ben Johnson is finalizing his coordinators with Dennis Allen on defense and Declan Doyle on offense
What it means: In addition to the hirings of Allen and Doyle, the Bears plan to retain Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator.
Johnson’s coaching staff is coming together quickly in the first week since he became the Bears coach, and solidifying his coordinators is a big step in the process.
Johnson acknowledged last week he never had coached with or even met Allen. So quickly forging a working relationship with his new defensive coordinator will be a challenge and a top priority.
Allen, 52, spent the last three seasons as the New Orleans Saints coach and had a previous 36-game run as the Oakland Raiders coach from 2012-14. His winning percentage as a head coach (.329) left something to be desired, but his experience in that role should be helpful to Johnson.
In addition to having the experience and ability to take the reins of the Bears defense, Allen should help Johnson transition into the head coaching role for the first time by helping him anticipate issues, resolve problems and identify blind spots.
Allen also has eight seasons of coordinator experience, including one with John Fox in Denver (2011) and seven with Sean Payton in New Orleans (2015-21). Over the years, his defenses have been aggressive and proved adaptable. It stands to reason that he will continue to run a 4-3 system with the Bears.
Doyle, 28, also comes from the Payton tree, having spent the last two seasons as the Broncos tight ends coach. Doyle was an offensive assistant in New Orleans for four seasons before that, one under Allen and three under Payton. With Johnson planning to call plays for the Bears offense, Doyle will be instrumental in the preparation process for each game.
Jan. 24
Bears hire Antwaan Randle El as wide receivers coach/assistant head coach and J.T. Barrett as quarterbacks coach
What this means: Two days after being announced as the Bears coach, Ben Johnson made several significant additions to his coaching staff, including two familiar faces. Randle El and Barrett were with Johnson in Detroit as wide receivers coach and assistant quarterbacks coach, respectively, and will help Johnson get his program launched at Halas Hall.
Johnson also has hired Al Harris to coach the Bears defensive backs.
Randle El is a local product who starred at Thornton High School in Harvey. He went on to become a two-time All-Big Ten quarterback and Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner at Indiana before enjoying a nine-season NFL career as a wide receiver with Pittsburgh and Washington.
Randle El’s coaching career begin in 2019 with Tampa Bay. He spent the last two seasons with Johnson in Detroit working with the Lions receivers, continuing the development of All-Pro playmaker Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions offense finished the 2024 regular season with 68 touchdowns — more than double the Bears offense’s total. Detroit also averaged a league-best 33.2 points per game.
Barrett, 30, was in the quarterbacks room with Jared Goff in Detroit, serving beneath Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell. As a player, Barrett was a three-time All-Big Ten quarterback at Ohio State and won the Silver Football in 2016 before spending two seasons in the NFL on the practice squads of the Saints, Seahawks and Steelers. He will be tasked with overseeing the development of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Harris has been coaching the Dallas Cowboys secondary for the last five seasons and was Mike McCarthy’s assistant head coach this season. In 15 NFL seasons as a player, Harris totaled 21 interceptions and earned two Pro Bowl selections. He will take over a cornerbacks group at Halas Hall that includes two-time Pro Bowl honoree Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson.
Jan. 20
Bears to hire Detroit Lions coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach
What it means: The search is over. The Bears have found their man. Fifty-three days after Matt Eberflus was fired and 12 days after team higher-ups began interviewing head coaching candidates, the Bears reached an agreement to make Johnson the 19th head coach in franchise history.
The news broke less than 41 hours after Johnson’s season in Detroit came to an abrupt end in a 45-31 playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. And the union was solidified before Johnson conducted an in-person interview at Halas Hall. That’s how serious both sides were in getting something done.
The Bears knew they had competition in their pursuit of Johnson, most notably from the Las Vegas Raiders and, to a lesser extent, from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet general manager Ryan Poles, under the guidance of Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren, made sure to finish the deal with Johnson, who was widely considered to be the hottest candidate within this hiring cycle.
Johnson’s resume is impressive. This season, he called the plays for the NFL’s highest-scoring offense with the Lions averaging 33.2 points per game and totaling 68 offensive touchdowns. Quarterback Jared Goff was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdown passes and a 111.8 passer rating. Four other Lions offensive players received Pro Bowl honors: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive linemen Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.
Johnson will now get to work putting together a coaching staff. And he must then gain a more thorough understanding of the Bears’ entire roster as he works to build the team back into a playoff contender.
Jan. 19
Bears interviewed Tennessee State coach Eddie George
What it means: The buzz inside league circles Sunday was that the Eddie George interview was likely a step taken by the Bears to become fully compliant with the NFL’s Rooney Rule. George became the second minority candidate to have an in-person interview with the organization following Ron Rivera, who had visited Halas Hall a week earlier.
The Detroit Lions’ exit from the NFC playoffs Saturday changed the dynamics and timelines for Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn inside this hiring cycle. Both Lions coordinators will now be available to be interviewed in person and hired by any NFL team starting Monday. The Bears seem to be readying themselves to take their big swing at landing Johnson — or pivot if the Lions OC takes a job elsewhere. (The Las Vegas Raiders seem to present the stiffest competition and were scheduled to interview Washington Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark for their open GM position Sunday. Newmark, who spent 26 years with the Lions, and Johnson are tight.)
George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, has spent the past four seasons coaching at Tennessee State and helped the Tigers to an Ohio Valley Conference championship this past season. George is 24-22 overall at Tennessee State and, at this juncture, faces a steep climb to become a head coach on the NFL level.
Jan. 18
Bears interviewed Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich
What it means: Stenavich has been the Packers offensive coordinator for the last three seasons. Before that, he was the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. He was the assistant O-line coach for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons and also spent six seasons coaching at the college level.
Stenavich, 41, helped the Packers run a top-five overall and rushing offense in 2024. But he also is somewhat lacking in key experience since coach Matt LaFleur is the play caller.
He is the 16th candidate to interview for the Bears job.
Bears interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
What it means: Flores is the 15th known candidate to complete an interview for the Bears job and did so five days after his Vikings were bumped from the playoffs with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That defeat put an end to an overall impressive season for the Vikings, who won 14 regular-season games and did so with an aggressive and attacking defense that Flores helped propel to 33 takeaways, a league high.
Minnesota also had the NFL’s fourth-ranked third-down defense, allowing conversions on just 35.6% of third downs. Three defenders — cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard — earned Pro Bowl honors this season.
Flores had a sub-.500 record in his first stint as a head coach for three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. But throughout a long stay in New England, he was part of four Super Bowl-winning teams with the Patriots. He is known for his demanding coaching style which, at times, includes a bit of an abrasive edge. The Bears will have to feel out Flores overall fit for what they are looking for now.
Among other NFL coaches who have been requested for interviews by the Bears or linked to the job in some capacity, those who have yet to complete interviews include Adam Stenavich, Vance Joseph and Kliff Kingsbury.
Bears reportedly inquired about a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin
What it means: ESPN reported Saturday morning that the Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they could speak with Tomlin and potentially initiate a trade. However, the Steelers decided to “rebuff” their inquiries, telling teams that Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Tomlin has been the Steelers coach for 18 seasons with a 183-107-2 record. He has led them to 12 playoff berths, including this season when the Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.
Bears GM Ryan Poles left open the possibility of a trade for a coach when he discussed the Bears search earlier this month.
Jan. 17
Bears interviewed Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady
What it means: Brady completed his initial virtual interview with the Bears two nights before the Bills are set to meet the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. He also interviewed with the New Orleans Saints on Friday night.
In his first full season as Bills offensive coordinator, Brady, 35, directed the AFC’s top scoring offense, with the Bills averaging 30.9 points per game. He originally joined the Bills in 2022 as Josh Allen’s quarterbacks coach. This season, Allen threw for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
Brady also has served as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator for two seasons and was the passing game coordinator for LSU during the 2019 national championship season with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
Bears interviewed Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
What it means: Monken is the 13th known candidate to complete an interview for the Bears coach opening and did so over videoconferencing two days before his Ravens face the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs.
Monken has been in Baltimore for two seasons and has put his fingerprints all over a dynamic Ravens offense. In 2023, he helped Lamar Jackson win his second Most Valuable Player award with the quarterback amassing 4,599 total yards and 29 touchdowns. Jackson was even better this season with 5,087 yards and 45 TDs and could be in line to claim his third MVP trophy next month.
In addition, running back Derrick Henry ran for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns this season as the Ravens led the NFL in rushing by a wide margin, averaging 187.6 yards per game. They also averaged 30.5 points per game during the regular season, then blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14 in the opening round of the playoffs with a 299-yard rushing output.
Monken is an alumnus of Wheaton North High School and Knox College and in recent years held offensive coordinator duties for the University of Georgia (2020-22), the Cleveland Browns (2019) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-18).
Titans hired Mike Borgonzi as general manager over the Bears’ Ian Cunningham
What it means: Borgonzi, who has been with the Kansas City Chiefs organization since 2009 and was the team’s assistant general manager for the last four seasons, will take over the GM chair in Nashville, Tenn., following the firing of Ran Carthon earlier this month. Through a Bears lens, it also means Ian Cunningham will not be departing Halas Hall.
Cunningham, who has been the Bears assistant general manager under Ryan Poles since 2022, had two interviews with the Titans for their GM opening — a virtual meeting Sunday and an in-person interview as a finalist Wednesday. But ultimately the Titans chose Borgonzi.
Two other GM openings remain in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. But Cunningham has not been linked to either job.
Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, the Bears would receive draft compensation — one third-round pick in consecutive drafts — if and when Cunningham departs for a GM job. As of now, that doesn’t appear to be in the works this offseason.
Jan. 15
Bears interviewed former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy watches from the sideline during a game against the Bears on Oct. 30, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: McCarthy is among the most experienced and accomplished coaches the Bears will interview this month.
McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways on Monday after failing to come to an agreement on a contract extension. McCarthy, 61, instantly became one of the more intriguing names in this hiring cycle.
The 18-year NFL head coach has made 12 playoff appearances in 13 years with the Green Bay Packers and five years with the Cowboys. His teams have gone 11-11 in the postseason, with the 2010 Packers winning the Super Bowl.
McCarthy has important experience with quarterbacks, including developing Aaron Rodgers and more recently working with Dak Prescott.
Bears interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith
What it means: Smith finished his first season as Steelers offensive coordinator working with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The 10-8 Steelers, who lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs, ranked near the middle of the league in points and yards per game. Smith went 21-30 in his only head coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons the previous three seasons.
Before the Falcons, Smith was the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator for two seasons and helped direct an offense that rose to be a top five unit in 2020.
A 16-year NFL coach, Smith, 42, is an experienced candidate — but also one that has had mixed results.
Jan. 14
Bears interviewed Broncos senior personnel executive David Shaw
What it means: The team announced its interview with Shaw, who is the 10th known candidate to complete an interview for the head coaching opening.
Shaw has been in Denver since June, serving under general manager George Paton and helping the organization with its college and pro talent evaluation. Previously, he was head coach at Stanford for 12 seasons, where he led the Cardinal to 96 wins and took the program to a bowl game in each of the first eight seasons.
Shaw was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year four times, including in 2011 when he coached star quarterback Andrew Luck, who became the No. 1 pick in the next spring’s draft. He is still considered a long shot to get the Bears job.
The Bears will continue interviews on Wednesday with former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy in the queue. McCarthy, according to the NFL Network, is expected to conduct his interview in person.
Jan. 13
Bears interviewed interim coach Thomas Brown
What it means: Over the course of a few weeks in November with the Bears, Brown rose from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator to interim head coach after the firings of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and coach Matt Eberflus.
That shifting job landscape didn’t make for the ideal situation for Brown to make his head coaching debut, and the Bears went 1-4 under his leadership, their lone win coming in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears, however, acknowledged the difficult circumstances and gave Brown an interview, in which he hoped to sell his vision and explain how he would do things differently with a full year at the helm.
Brown previously was the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator in 2023 and before that was an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mike McCarthy is leaving the Dallas Cowboys
What it means: McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys, after five seasons and three playoff appearances, was set to expire Tuesday, and NFL Network reported Monday morning the sides couldn’t agree on a contract length.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones later confirmed in a statement that McCarthy won’t return, saying the coach and organization mutually agreed to part ways.
“I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure,” Jones said.
The Bears last week requested an interview with McCarthy, an 18-year NFL head coaching veteran, but the Cowboys denied the request. Now McCarthy will be able to speak with any team he chooses.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys become the seventh team making a head coaching change, though the New England Patriots already found their new coach in Mike Vrabel.
Before the Cowboys, McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to nine playoff appearances and one Super Bowl win in 13 seasons through 2018.
Jan. 12
Bears interviewed longtime NFL coach Ron Rivera
Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera during a news conference on Jan. 18, 2007, at Halas Hall. (Jim Prisching/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: Rivera spent 13 years as an NFL head coach — nine with the Carolina Panthers and more recently four with the Washington Commanders through 2023. He has a 102-103 record in his career, but he hasn’t had a winning season since 2017 with the Panthers.
He previously worked for the Bears as their defensive coordinator from 2004-06 and was the San Diego Chargers coordinator for three seasons. Rivera, a former linebacker, also played for the Bears for nine seasons and earned a Super Bowl ring with the 1985 team.
New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their new coach
What it means: Four days after having a virtual interview with the Bears, Vrabel reunited with the Patriots, the team with which he spent eight seasons and won three Super Bowls as a player. Vrabel’s return to New England was hardly a surprise. But the move filled one of six head coaching jobs open in the league, leaving the Bears, Saints, Jets, Raiders and Jaguars with the remaining vacancies.
Vrabel was on a very short list for the Patriots, who were also serious in their consideration of Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson is on the Bears’ radar and had a virtual interview with the team on Saturday.
The Patriots also interviewed Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich for their opening but were targeted and purposeful with their search and hired Vrabel less than a week after firing Jerod Mayo as head coach.
The Bears, meanwhile, will continue with their interviews this week, progressing through a list of 18 known candidates linked to the opening.
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham completed a virtual interview for the Tennessee Titans GM job
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham speaks about the upcoming NFL draft on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
What it means: Cunningham is back in the mix for the Titans GM job two years after being a finalist in Tennessee for that same role. The Titans ultimately hired Ran Carthon in 2023.
Bears GM Ryan Poles said last week he would give Cunningham the freedom to explore his career advancement this month. And it would not be a surprise if Cunningham again garnered serious consideration in Tennessee.
As it stands, his interview Sunday was part of the Titans’ first round of interviews. The team has also announced interviews with Thomas Dimitroff, John Spytek, Ed Dodds, Reggie McKenzie, Matt Berry and Mike Borgonzi.
Other GM jobs currently open in the league are with the Jets and Raiders.
Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule hiring regulations, if Cunningham were to be hired by another team for a GM role, the Bears would receive a third-round compensatory pick for this year’s draft plus another in the 2026 draft.
Jan. 11
Bears interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
What it means: The Bears knocked out both Lions coordinators interviews during Detroit’s first-round playoff bye.
Glenn is in his fourth season as Lions defensive coordinator and 11th season as an NFL coach, including with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.
The Lions defense ranks seventh with 20.1 points allowed per game and also leads the league in third-down percentage at 32.4%.
As with all defensive-minded candidates, the Bears will need to hear Glenn’s plan for his offensive staff and how to help quarterback Caleb Williams succeed.
Bears interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
What it means: Johnson is one of the top candidates of this NFL hiring cycle after directing a Lions offense that led the league with 33.2 points per game and was second with 409.5 yards per game this season.
Johnson has been the Lions coordinator since 2022 and has played a large role in their rise to become the NFC’s No. 1 seed in this year’s playoffs under coach Dan Campbell.
The Bears needed to examine Johnson’s overall leadership plan and style along with his fit with quarterback Caleb Williams as they determine whether he’s their coach of the future.
Jan. 9
Bears interviewed New York Giants assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka
Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, a St. Rita graduate, talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes during practice on Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla. (Mark Brown/Getty Images)
What it means: The St. Rita and Northwestern graduate was previously on the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff when GM Ryan Poles was there. Kafka spent five seasons with the Chiefs, including four as the quarterbacks coach for Patrick Mahomes. He also was the passing game coordinator for the last two.
Kafka, 37, has been with the Giants for three seasons. The Giants offense, with three different starting quarterbacks this season, ranked 30th in yards per game and 31st in points per game.
Bears interviewed former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll
What it means: Carroll, 73, has a lengthy resume featuring accomplishments the Bears have only dreamed about in recent years. In 14 seasons with the Seahawks (2010-23), Carroll led the team to 10 playoff berths, two Super Bowls and the Super Bowl XLVIII championship in the 2013 season.
He has helped both young and veteran quarterbacks thrive but would need a strong offensive coordinator to come with him to help guide quarterback Caleb Williams. Carroll and the Seahawks parted ways after last season following a three-year stretch with a 25-26 record and one playoff berth.
Bears interviewed Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
What it means: Weaver, 44, was the third candidate to complete a virtual meeting with the team. He just finished his first season in Miami, solidifying the Dolphins defense as a top-10 unit that allowed an average of 314.4 yards and 21.3 points.
Weaver, who runs a 3-4 system with the Dolphins, played at Notre Dame and has seven seasons of NFL coaching experience, with his most extensive background as a defensive line coach. He also spent two seasons as the assistant head coach to John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thomas Brown is expected to interview for the Seahawks offensive coordinator opening
What it means: While Brown is scheduled to meet with Bears brass to discuss his opportunity to remain head coach, the organization’s desire to reboot likely will lead it in a new direction. That will leave Brown seeking a new home, and he will explore one option with the Seahawks this weekend, according to multiple reports.
Seattle’s offensive coordinator position came open this week when coach Mike Macdonald fired Ryan Grubb. Grubb spent only one season in that role, replacing Shane Waldron last winter.
Macdonald cited vision differences with Grubb as a factor in his decision. If the Seahawks are looking for more balance in their offense with a greater dedication to the running game, Brown might emerge as an intriguing candidate.
It’s worth noting that Brown and Macdonald overlapped for one season at Georgia in 2011 when Brown was the program’s strength and conditioning coach and Macdonald was a quality control coach.
Jan. 8
Bears interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel
What it means: Vrabel, who went 54-45 over six seasons with the Titans, is one of the hottest names in this hiring cycle. A consultant for the Cleveland Browns this season, Vrabel already interviewed with the New York Jets and reportedly has the New England Patriots on his schedule for Thursday. Vrabel, 49, played eight of his 14 NFL seasons with the Patriots and is considered a front-runner for that job.
The former linebacker has a defensive background, so the Bears undoubtedly asked him to present a plan for quarterback Caleb Williams, including a list of potential coordinators and coaches who would accompany him to Chicago. Bears players who played under Vrabel in Tennessee said he is a no-nonsense, detailed coach who would set a standard from the beginning.
Bears interviewed Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing
What it means: Petzing, 37, has been an offensive coordinator for only two seasons with the Cardinals. This season he directed a top-10 rushing offense helped by quarterback Kyler Murray. Before the Cardinals, Petzing worked for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons, including as the quarterbacks coach in 2022. He also spent six seasons as a Minnesota Vikings assistant.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon told Arizona reporters he was excited for Petzing to receive interest from other teams to be a head coach.
“He knows how to teach,” Gannon said. “He’s got really good command and can get the best out of people. He’s extremely intelligent and I think he knows what’s going on. He’s had some good experiences around a lot of good guys. … He’s been trained the right way.”
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