The Bears are giving Mike McCarthy a taste of the best things they can offer.
The former Cowboys coach was flown to the Bears’ facility on a private jet from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill., for his Wednesday interview, according to multiple reports, which is a “departure from the team protocol,” according to ESPN.
He also “stayed late and all night, then went home” on Thursday, according to The Athletic.
McCarthy was the second in-person interview conducted by the Bears, with former Commanders coach Ron Rivera also receiving insight into Chicago’s front office.
Chicago met virtually with Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Pete Carroll and Mike Kafka, among others, and reportedly met with Todd Monken on Friday.
Although he was a late addition to the NFL’s head coaching group — he and the Cowboys failed to agree on a new contract this week, making him a free agent — McCarthy is an agent free and a very popular product.
He’s also reportedly a candidate for the Saints’ open position, coming on the heels of a 49-35 record over five seasons in Dallas, including an injury-plagued 7-10 this season.
Only coaches not hired by another team can be interviewed in person at this point.
Any assistant coach interviewed by a given team must be virtual only through Jan. 20, unless they are participating in the conference championship.
No in-person interviews can take place for assistant coaches who are still actively coaching their teams until the bye week before the Super Bowl.
Whoever leads the Bears will likely have a solid plan for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who had a rocky first year as Chicago’s signal-caller.
Williams threw 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Bears, who finished the season 5-12 and in last place in the NFC North.
Chicago has the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
