Chicago Bears request to interview Mike McCarthy as head coach
The Chicago Bears have formally asked the Dallas Cowboys for permission to interview head coach Mike McCarthy for their open head coaching role. This request comes as McCarthy’s contract nears its January 14 expiration date, with no public decision yet from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
The Bears, still reeling from the Matt Eberflus era, are keen to secure a leader with proven experience. McCarthy, who led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-win seasons before a 7-10 campaign in 2024, fits their mold. His ability to develop quarterbacks like Dak Prescott is seen as a potential boon for Chicago’s young talent, including rookie Caleb Williams. The team hopes to act swiftly, interviewing several candidates before finalizing their choice.
McCarthy just wrapped up his fifth season with the Cowboys, a tenure highlighted by consistent playoff appearances until this past season. Despite a rough 2024 marked by injuries, including Prescott’s season-ending hamstring tear, the team rallied late in the year. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush led them to four wins in their final five games, signaling the team hadn’t entirely given up.
Jerry Jones has remained non-committal about McCarthy’s future, stating, “I don’t know that I am considering making a change is really what I’m trying to say.” Reports indicate McCarthy wishes to stay in Dallas, but the looming interest from Chicago could accelerate Jones’ decision.
Jones faces a complex choice: allow McCarthy to interview, signaling he won’t be retained, or block the request and risk backlash while leaving McCarthy’s status unresolved. Blocking the interview without re-signing McCarthy would add further scrutiny to Jones’ handling of coaching transitions, as seen during Jason Garrett’s exit in 2020.
Chicago’s request for McCarthy is part of a broader strategy to find a head coach who can maximize their potential. Other candidates include Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson, New York Giants OC Mike Kafka, and Steelers OC Arthur Smith. The team’s performance showed promise early in the season with a 4-2 start, but they faltered, losing ten straight before a morale-boosting Week 18 victory against Green Bay.
McCarthy’s experience coaching in cold-weather conditions and his track record in the NFC North make him a logical candidate for the Bears. If hired, he could bring stability to a franchise looking to contend in a competitive division.
The Cowboys are expected to meet with McCarthy soon to discuss his future. Whether they extend his contract or let him explore other opportunities will shape the offseason for both Dallas and Chicago. As of now, the Bears can wait until January 14 to proceed without needing Dallas’ approval.
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