The Chicago Bears will be looking for a full-time replacement for Matt Eberflus now that the season is over, but they might have some competition in that area.
As it stands, the Bears are now one of at least four teams that will be looking for a new head coach, and they were joined in that category Sunday after the New England Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after just one season.
The Patriots could now join the Bears in the search for a highly coveted free agent coach. Earlier Sunday, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that the Bears are expected to interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for their head coaching position.
Vrabel has tons of ties to New England, having played a pivotal role in the team’s early dynastic run in the 2000s, and could be considered a long-term fit for a team looking to maximize its effective with quarterback Drake Maye under his command. rookie contract.
The Patriots could also turn to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, another potential Bears target, for the job.
Besides these candidates, the Bears also plan to interview interim head coach Thomas Brown for the full-time position, Bears general manager Ryan Poles revealed during a pregame interview on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will also likely get an interview with the Bears, as well as other interested teams.
Currently, the Bears are one of four teams with coaching vacancies, with the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets also having fired coaches mid-season. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders could also consider making changes this offseason, but as of Sunday night they have yet to take action with their coaches.
NBC Chicago
