The search for a new head coach in the NFL is never an easy process, and for the Chicago Bears, it’s been no different. With the Bears coming off another disappointing season, many are wondering whether the franchise will hire an established head coach or take a chance on an unproven candidate. Among the names frequently linked to the job is Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. But could McCarthy, a veteran coach with a Super Bowl victory under his belt, actually be the Bears’ next hire?
To answer that question, it’s essential to examine the rumors circulating around McCarthy’s candidacy, the Bears’ current coaching situation, and the broader context surrounding the search for a new coach in Chicago.
The Bears’ Coaching Search: The Current Landscape
The Bears, who have historically been one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, are currently in a rebuilding phase. The team finished the 2024 season with a lackluster record, and it became clear that change was necessary. With the firing of former head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears entered a new era, looking for a coach who could bring success to one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.
The franchise’s ownership and front office, led by President Kevin Warren and General Manager Ryan Poles, know that the next hire is critical for the future of the team. The Bears are looking for someone who can not only develop young talent but also instill a winning culture. With their franchise quarterback Justin Fields still in his developmental years, finding the right coach to develop him is a top priority.
Over the past few weeks, several names have been linked to the Bears’ job. From offensive masterminds like Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, to established coaches with championship experience like Sean Payton, the Bears are casting a wide net. But among the most interesting names is Mike McCarthy.
Who Is Mike McCarthy?
Mike McCarthy, now 60 years old, is one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL coaching world. He is best known for his 13-year tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, where he helped guide the team to a Super Bowl title in 2011 and several NFC North division titles. Under McCarthy’s leadership, quarterback Aaron Rodgers flourished, and the Packers became a perennial playoff contender.
However, McCarthy’s tenure in Green Bay ended unceremoniously in 2018, as the Packers decided to part ways with him midseason after a string of underperforming campaigns. Despite McCarthy’s previous success, the Packers felt the need for a new voice in the locker room, particularly with the relationship between McCarthy and Rodgers becoming increasingly strained.
Following his time with the Packers, McCarthy spent a year out of the NFL before being hired by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. His time with the Cowboys has been marked by a solid but unspectacular record. While McCarthy has led Dallas to multiple playoff appearances, including a divisional round in 2021, his teams have often fallen short in critical games. That being said, McCarthy’s experience as a Super Bowl-winning coach and his work with elite quarterbacks like Rodgers and Dak Prescott are qualities that make him an attractive candidate for many teams, including the Bears.
The Rumors: McCarthy to the Bears?
As soon as the Bears let go of Matt Eberflus, the speculation began. Mike McCarthy’s name quickly emerged in connection with the Bears’ head coaching search. The logic behind this was twofold. First, McCarthy’s wealth of experience as a head coach, including his success with Rodgers in Green Bay, made him a natural fit for a Bears team that needs to develop a young quarterback in Justin Fields. Second, McCarthy’s history as a longtime NFC North rival of the Bears, combined with his status as a Super Bowl champion, gave the Bears a sense of security that they could bring in someone with a proven track record of success.
It’s also important to note McCarthy’s history with quarterbacks. One of the key issues for the Bears over the past several seasons has been the development of their quarterbacks, most notably Justin Fields. Fields showed flashes of brilliance in his third season but also struggled with consistency. The Bears’ coaching staff has been criticized for not providing Fields with enough support in terms of development and scheme.
McCarthy, who is renowned for his work with quarterbacks, could be seen as the ideal coach to unlock Fields’ full potential. After all, McCarthy helped Aaron Rodgers become one of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks, and he could bring that same magic to Chicago.
Another key factor in the McCarthy rumors is the Bears’ ongoing quest for stability. The franchise has had eight different head coaches since 2000, and a constant cycle of turnover has hindered the team’s growth. Hiring McCarthy, a coach with a proven ability to succeed in the NFL, would offer the Bears much-needed stability moving forward.
However, McCarthy’s candidacy for the Bears’ head coaching job is not without competition. Other coaches such as Dan Quinn (the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator), Ben Johnson, and Sean Payton have all garnered significant attention, and the Bears will have to weigh their options carefully.
The Likelihood of McCarthy Being Hired by the Bears
While it is certainly possible that McCarthy could be hired by the Bears, there are several factors that could impact the likelihood of that happening.
- Bears’ Desire for a Fresh Start: One of the primary considerations the Bears front office must make is whether they want a coach with experience like McCarthy or someone who could bring a fresh perspective to the team. Hiring McCarthy would mean sticking with a coach who has already been in charge of two other NFL teams and has experienced both success and failure. If the Bears are looking for an innovative, fresh-minded coach, they may decide to go in a different direction.
- McCarthy’s Current Situation: McCarthy is under contract with the Cowboys, and any potential move to the Bears would require him to leave Dallas. While McCarthy has expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Cowboys, there is always the possibility that he would want a change of scenery. However, given that McCarthy has a strong relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it’s unclear whether he would be willing to leave a stable situation in Dallas for the uncertainty of a new team like the Bears.
- The Bears’ Organizational Direction: The hiring of McCarthy also depends on the direction that the Bears’ ownership and front office want to take. If the Bears are committed to rebuilding and developing young players, they may opt for a coach who has a track record of developing talent over a longer period of time. On the other hand, if they feel that their roster is close to being competitive, McCarthy’s experience in the league and his ability to win now could make him a more attractive option.
- Other Coaching Candidates: The Bears are expected to interview a variety of candidates, including some younger, up-and-coming offensive minds. The success of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts has made it clear that offensive innovation is crucial in today’s NFL, and the Bears may prioritize hiring a coach who can implement such an offense, whether it’s someone with a pedigree like Ben Johnson or a seasoned head coach like McCarthy.
Conclusion: What Will Happen?
While Mike McCarthy certainly fits the profile of a coach who could help turn around the Bears, the final decision will depend on many factors. The Bears have a clear need for stability and development, especially in terms of quarterback play, and McCarthy’s experience could offer that. However, with other potential candidates on the table, and McCarthy’s current position with the Cowboys, the Bears may look in a different direction.
In the coming weeks, we will likely learn more about McCarthy’s future in Dallas and whether the Bears’ front office is genuinely interested in him. As of now, the possibility of McCarthy becoming the Bears’ next head coach remains uncertain, but the rumors and speculation surrounding his candidacy are certainly worth keeping an eye on. Whether or not McCarthy is hired by Chicago, the Bears’ coaching search will continue to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL offseason.