The Chicago Bears have looked high and low for their next head coach, requesting interviews with at least 20 candidates since the regular season ended. Could they finally limit their search to just a few people? That’s what one NFL insider believes.
FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz appeared on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” Thursday and claimed the Bears job only has two candidates: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former coach- head of the Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy. “It’s been made clear to me that for all intents and purposes, the Chicago job — and I haven’t said this publicly — is a two-horse race between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson,” Schultz told Cowherd . He also said Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores could be in the running if he interviews well, but maintained Johnson and McCarthy are the leading candidates.
Johnson has been the favorite for some time, even before the Bears officially parted ways with Matt Eberflus in November. The interest was mutual and the two parties officially met last weekend for a virtual interview. Over the past few days, however, buzz has grown regarding the possibility of Johnson heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. The young offensive coordinator maintains he is focused on the team’s upcoming divisional playoff game against the Washington Commanders.
McCarthy, meanwhile, had an eventful week. He and the Cowboys parted ways Monday, and two days later he met with Bears brass in person at Halas Hall. Unlike Johnson, McCarthy has years of experience as a head coach with sustained success.
Both candidates have offensive backgrounds, which could indicate the direction the Bears want to take this search. A decision is unlikely to be made before the middle of next week, but if Schultz is right, we could get closer to a resolution.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL Insider Says Bears Head Coaching Job Is Down to 2 Candidates
