The Chicago Bears are among several teams on the lookout for a new head coach this offseason. They have already sought interviews with various candidates, including Ben Johnson (offensive coordinator) and Aaron Glenn (defensive coordinator) from the Detroit Lions.

Additionally, the Bears have included Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, in their list of candidates.

While Chicago has expressed interest in interviewing McCarthy, he is currently in a negotiation period with the Cowboys. The franchise has until January 14 to come to terms on a new contract or he will enter free agency.

The Cowboys have yet to announce whether they will retain the Super Bowl-winning coach. In a conversation with 105.7 The Fan before Week 18, owner Jerry Jones shared his support for McCarthy.

“I feel confident about Mike McCarthy,” said Jones, according to Cowboys.com. “The primary concern is that I appreciate what he’s done. It’s unfortunate about our season, but I have a good feeling about Mike.”

As the offseason begins, the Bears hold the top overall draft pick and also possess the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, alongside having the fifth most salary cap space in the league.

Candidates for Bears’ Head Coach Position

Alongside Johnson, Glenn, and McCarthy, here are additional names the Bears are considering for their head coaching vacancy:

• Todd Monken – Offensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens
• Drew Petzing – Offensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals
• Brian Flores – Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
• Arthur Smith – Offensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Mike Kafka – Offensive Coordinator, New York Giants

Mike McCarthy’s Contract Situation

McCarthy signed a five-year contract with the Cowboys prior to the 2020 NFL season. He has not received an extension since, and his contract is set to expire on January 14, giving Dallas until that date to finalize a new agreement.

Mike McCarthy’s Coaching Record

During his five seasons with the Cowboys, McCarthy has achieved a record of 49 wins and 35 losses, with a playoff record of 1-3.

Before joining Dallas, he spent 13 years leading the Green Bay Packers, where he posted an overall record of 125 wins and 77 losses, including a playoff record of 10-8. His tenure there included a Super Bowl victory during the 2010 NFL season.