Update From New Orleans Proves Chicago Bears Are Onto Something

In 2022, people were confused throughout the Chicago Bears head coaching search. First, George McCaskey and his team decided to run it concurrently with a search for a new GM. One would think they'd prefer to fill the executive position first before diving into coaches. The other part is the list of candidates they chose to interview. While it did include prominent names like Dan Quinn, it also involved 67-year-old Jim Caldwell, Leslie Frazier, and Matt Eberflus. None of those names were considered in high demand around the league.

It felt like Bill Polian, the Hall of Fame general manager who led the Bears search, was simply leaning on his connections to organizations he'd worked for. Frazier was connected to Buffalo, and Caldwell and Eberflus were connected to Indianapolis. In the end, Chicago opted to go with Eberflus. What followed was one of the worst three-year stints in franchise history. So, one can understand why Bears fans were skeptical that the team would have a better process this time.

Surprisingly, events in New Orleans suggest that GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren are operating on good information this time.

The Chicago Bears seem to be hitting on quality candidates.

Fans turned their noses up when New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver got interview requests. Kafka was overseeing a rough offense in New York for the past two seasons. Weaver only has one year of experience as a coordinator. It was hard to understand what the appeal was for either. Clearly, the Bears were hearing things they felt necessitated speaking to them. The fact both are now finalists for the Saints job proves it.

Things are lining up well for the Chicago Bears this week. Detroit and Baltimore both lost in the divisional round last weekend, meaning Ben Johnson and Todd Monken are now free to interview in person. Both offensive coordinators are expected to be finalists for the job. The same goes for former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who will also get a look in New Orleans. Two or three others may get second interviews. Much depends on whether the Bears wish to move on their preferred candidate quickly.