Bears head coach tracker: Everyone Chicago has requested to interview
The Chicago Bears are conducting a crucial search for their next head coach, and they’ve wasted no time in starting the process following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL regular season.
General manager Ryan Poles will lead a search, also spearheaded by president Kevin Warren, for a “leader of men” type who can help establish a winning culture in a locker room that fell apart amid a disastrous 5-12 campaign that resulted in Matt Eberflus’ firing after Thanksgiving.
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With the wild-card playoffs on deck, the Bears can virtually interview coaching candidates from teams that secured the No. 1 seed — the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs — before Monday. Other candidates who are free agents or whose season just concluded, they’re free to interview now.
Here’s an updated tracker of every candidate the Bears have requested to interview or has interviewed:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Current role: Lions offensive coordinator
Status: Request to interview
Ben Johnson, 38, has long been a favorite for the Bears job given his offensive prowess and the job he’s done with the quarterback Jared Goff in Detroit the last three years. Johnson has mutual interest in Chicago’s vacancy with quarterback Caleb Williams on the roster.
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Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn speaks to the media before practice begins during the Detroit Lions Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at their headquarters in Allen Park, Mich. on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
Current role: Lions defensive coordinator
Status: Request to interview
Aaron Glenn, 52, certainly fits that “leader of men” mentality that has been overused when describing what the Bears are looking for. He leads a dominant Lions defense that has remained a top unit despite being ravaged by injuries.
Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver on problems De’Von Achane presents
Current role: Dolphins defensive coordinator
Status: Request to interview
Dianna Russini previously reported that Anthony Weaver has been drawing interest from the Bears, as they believe he could fit the “leader of men” type the organization is looking for. Weaver, 43, has been described “high energy,” “emotionally intelligent,” someone who holds players accountable and is highly respected.
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Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Current role: Cardinals offensive coordinator
Status: Request to interview
Drew Petzing, 37, has been described as a “rising, impressive coach.” The Bears faced Petzing and his Cardinals offense earlier this season, where Arizona rushed for 213 yards (the most allowed by Chicago in 2024) in a 29-9 victory. He’s a two-year offensive coordinator with limited experience, but he has the offensive background that could make him appealing.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 24: Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown of the Chicago Bears looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Current role: Bears interim head coach
Status: To be interviewed
Thomas Brown, 38, has risen through the ranks this year — starting as passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator to interim head coach. The Bears went 1-4 under his direction, but it was a difficult situation that Brown inherited following the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus in a locker room in need of a culture shift. Bears general manager Ryan Poles praised Brown for his leadership amid a difficult season, and he confirmed he’ll get a formal interview.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears head coach tracker: Everyone Chicago has requested to interview
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