Bears Upgrade Travel for Coaching Candidates in Search for New Head Coach

The Chicago Bears are pulling out all the stops in their search for a new head coach, including ensuring candidates travel in style. According to a team source, the Bears will no longer skimp on travel arrangements, opting to provide first-class accommodations for coaching candidates. This move is part of a broader effort to present the organization as a top-tier destination for NFL talent.

General manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of making a strong impression, stating, “If anyone comes in to interview and digs into how we do things, they’re going to understand that this is a first-class organization.” The Bears have struggled to find stability at the head coaching position, with five coaches since their last playoff win in 2010.

The team has cast a wide net in its search, requesting interviews with upwards of 14 candidates. Among them are former NFL head coaches Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll, as well as rising coordinators like Ben Johnson and Brian Flores. The Bears’ request to interview Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was denied, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Poles highlighted the value of prior head coaching experience, noting, “If you have been a head coach before, there’s a lot of value because some of the new things you’ve already experienced.” However, the Bears have historically favored hiring assistants, with only one previous head coach, John Fox, having prior NFL head coaching experience.

The search process is expected to be extensive, with multiple rounds of virtual and in-person interviews. The Bears are also navigating playoff schedules, as some candidates are currently employed by teams still in contention. Poles has not set a limit on the number of candidates, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit.

One of the key factors in the decision will be the candidate’s plan for developing quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams, who set a Bears rookie record with 3,541 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, was sacked 68 times in 2024. The next head coach will be tasked with ensuring Williams reaches his potential as the franchise quarterback.

The Bears’ leadership structure remains unchanged, with Poles leading the search and reporting to team president Kevin Warren. Chairman George McCaskey confirmed that the team’s vertical reporting structure is not up for negotiation, stating, “The head coach reports to the general manager, the general manager reports to the team president, the president reports to the chairman.”

As the Bears continue their search, they are leveraging outside consultants and a diverse interview committee to ensure a thorough evaluation of candidates. The goal is clear: to find a coach who can restore the Bears to their former glory and end the franchise’s prolonged playoff drought.