The Chicago Bears are going all out in their head coaching search, reportedly looking to interview Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Todd Archer, the Bears have reached out to the Cowboys for permission to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coaching position, but have yet to receive a response.
According to the report, the Bears could still interview McCarthy even if the Cowboys rejected the request, but they would have to wait until his exclusive negotiating window with the Cowboys expires on January 14.
McCarthy joined the Cowboys in 2020 after 13 years as head coach of the Green Bay Packers. In 84 games with the Cowboys, McCarthy is 49-35 and led the team to three straight 12-win seasons before an injury-ravaged 7-10 campaign in 2024.
Before joining the Cowboys, McCarthy led the Packers to nine playoff appearances, winning the Super Bowl in 2010 after a 10-6 regular season. He was 125-77-2 over 13 seasons with the Packers before being fired 12 games into the 2018 season.
The Cowboys’ offense has largely thrived under McCarthy, as they ranked in the top five in numerous categories between 2021 and 2023. This season saw serious drops in production due to some high-profile injuries, including that of quarterback Dak Prescott, leaving McCarthy. employment status is pending.
McCarthy’s contract expired at the end of the season, meaning the Cowboys have little time to try to negotiate a new deal with the 61-year-old. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters he “feels good” about the coach but has not publicly committed to keeping him in the job.
The Bears are casting a wide net in their coaching search, aiming to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, among others.
The Bears will also compete with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints for head coaching candidates, although more openings could still occur in the coming days.
NBC Chicago
