People Inside NFL Reveal Chicago Bears' Top Priority In Coaching Search

The Chicago Bears won't tell anybody what their plans are at head coach. Part of that is because they don't want to pigeonhole themselves. They want to maintain an open mind as they prepare for the interview process. However, it wouldn't be unusual for those leading the search to at least have some preference. Most fans would like it to be an offensive guy. A young mastermind who can craft a proper system around Caleb Williams and help him play to his full potential.

Several reports have indicated the Bears are leaning that way as well. However, there is an added wrinkle to the situation. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported as much in a recent column. There is something else they're looking for.

Fowler: I do. I expect Kingsbury to interview there. As was told to me, most or all the names that have been linked to the Bears are people Chicago would like to interview. Observers believe experience will be a key factor in the hiring process, and Kingsbury has experience coupled with quarterback cachet.

The Chicago Bears wanting experience narrows the field.

Presuming they stick to this idea, the list of candidates who qualify becomes clearer. Names like Ben Johnson, Liam Coen, and Joe Brady won't be considered. They will be first-time coaches. If the observers are correct, the Bears aren't willing to risk that. On the other hand, names like Mike Vrabel, Brian Flores, Kliff Kingsbury, and Pete Carroll become legitimate options. If Mike McCarthy leaves Dallas after this season, he would also meet the necessary criteria.

Would any of them be considered favorites? Flores has direct ties to Poles. They were teammates at Boston College. Kingsbury coached Williams for a season at USC. McCarthy is a client of Trace Armstrong, who has already helped the Chicago Bears hire their past two coaches, Matt Nagy and Matt Eberflus. It ultimately comes down to who has the final say and who makes the best impression in interviews. Maybe a first-timer hits it out of the park, and the plans change. Otherwise, those feel like the names to watch.