The Bears are giving Mike McCarthy a taste of the finer things they can offer thim.
The ex-Cowboys coach was flown into the Bears’ facility on a private jet from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill., for his interview on Wednesday, according to multiple reports, which is a “departure from team protocol,” per ESPN.
He also “stayed late and overnight and then went home” Thursday, per The Athletic.
McCarthy was the second in-person interview conducted by the Bears, with former Commanders coach Ron Rivera also getting a look from the Chicago front office.
Chicago has met virtually with Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Pete Carroll, and Mike Kafka, among others and is reportedly meeting with Todd Monken on Friday.
Despite being a late addition to the NFL’s head coaching pool — he and the Cowboys were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract this week, making him a free agent — McCarthy is a free agent and a hot commodity.
He’s reportedly a candidate for the open Saints job, as well, on the heels of a 49-35 record over five seasons in Dallas, including an injury-plagued 7-10 finish this season.
Only coaches not contracted by another team are eligible to be interviewed in person at this juncture.
Any assistant coach being interviewed by a given team must be virtual only until Jan. 20 unless they are in the conference championship.
No in-person interviews can occur for assistant coaches who are still actively coaching their teams until the bye week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Whoever goes forward leading the Bears will likely have a strong plan ahead for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who had an up-and-down first year as the Chicago signal caller.
Williams threw 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Bears, who finished the season 5-12 and last place in the NFC North.
Chicago has the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
