New details emerge into Mike McCarthy’s ‘luxurious’ interview with Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears rolled out the red carpet for Mike McCarthy for his head coaching interview on Wednesday.
The former Dallas Cowboys head coach was flown to Chicago’s facility on a private jet from Dallas for his interview, a “departure from team protocol,” per Courtney Cronin of ESPN. McCarthy “stayed late and overnight” before heading home Thursday, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.
McCarthy, 61, became the second known candidate to interview in person for the Bears’ opening, following former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. During an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports called it a “two-horse race” between McCarthy and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the job. Chicago is casting a wide net as it works to replace Matt Eberflus, and the interview count hit 12 on Thursday, with more requests still outstanding.
But even as Bears general manager Ryan Poles and president Kevin Warren work through the search, Schultz said it appears McCarthy and Johnson are starting to create separation. Another name that could emerge is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who’s set to interview Saturday. It’s also worth noting McCarthy is expected to speak with the New Orleans Saints, as well.
Chicago Bears coaching search: Insider declares ‘two-horse race’ between Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson
“I think it’s been made clear to me that for all intents and purposes, the Chicago job … it is a two-horse race between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson,” Schultz said. “I think if Brian Flores goes in and wows them, then he’s still in that mix.
“But right now, I think McCarthy and I think Ben Johnson are the two leading candidates for Chicago. And it’ll be really interesting to see [for] Chicago, what type of direction they want to go because in many ways, the franchise is Caleb Williams – ideally, for the next decade-plus.”
McCarthy, 61, came into the 2024 season working with just one year remaining on the contract he signed with Dallas in 2020. McCarthy compiled a 49-35 record with the Cowboys, leading them to three consecutive 12-5 seasons and two NFC East titles. Dallas, however, went 1-3 in the postseason under McCarthy. The final straw was a 7-10 campaign after team owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys were “all-in.”
Of course, injuries played a significant role, with quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerback DaRon Bland among others missing time. But in the end, that didn’t matter. The two sides couldn’t agree on the contract length of a new deal and decided to part ways.
On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.
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