Bears Roll Out Red Carpet For Mike McCarthy Interview

It’s safe to say that momentum is building for the Chicago Bears and the growing hype around Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is one of only two head coaching candidates the Bears have interviewed in person so far. However, new details are emerging that highlight just how serious the Bears are about securing McCarthy. According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, the Bears are pulling out all the stops, even arranging for former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy to fly to Chicago via private jet for his interview.

"McCarthy flew from Dallas to Wheeling, Illinois in private accommodations, marking a significant departure from the team’s usual protocol."

From me and @KalynKahler: Per a league source, the Chicago Bears are conducting their in-person interview with Mike McCarthy this afternoon, their second known candidate to interview in person after Ron Rivera did on Sunday. McCarthy flew from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill. in private…

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 15, 2025

This level of effort makes it clear that the Bears are operating like a top-tier franchise, sparing no expense to land their preferred candidate. It’s a long-overdue move for a team that needs to remember its storied history in the NFL. However, there’s a concern that the Bears might rush into hiring McCarthy without giving the same consideration to other candidates, such as Ben Johnson.

While the Bears have conducted a virtual interview with Johnson, the same VIP treatment given to McCarthy should be extended to him and any other final candidates. It’s crucial that the Bears maintain a thorough and fair process. Rushing to hire McCarthy without an in-person interview with Johnson could be seen as organizational malpractice. The Bears need to make sure they evaluate all their options thoroughly before making a decision.

It would be organizational malpractice if the Bears hire Mike McCarthy without even speaking to Ben Johnson in-person.

— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 15, 2025