The Bears are interested in Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy's vacant head coaching position and have requested permission to speak with him.
The Cowboys have not responded to the Bears' request. According to a report by ESPN's Adam SchefterHowever, there's a good chance Chicago will still interview McCarthy after his exclusive negotiation period with the Cowboys ends on January 14th.
McCarthy's status in Dallas remains up in the air as the Cowboys' season ends and owner Jerry Jones has made no commitment to the coach, who just completed his fifth year in Dallas.
Jones and McCarthy were scheduled to meet late Monday afternoon, but it was unclear whether the coach would have any offers. NFL Network's Jane Slater reports.
A team meeting on Monday morning was described as “business as usual”.
Mr. Slater also reported McCarthy was thought to be interested in returning to coach the Cowboys next season.
When Jones met with reporters after Sunday's final game of the season.
“I don't know if that's really what I mean when I say we're considering a change,” Jones told reporters of his thoughts on the coaching situation.
He highly praised McCarthy, 61, for the job he has done in Dallas, which included a 49-35 regular season record and 1-3 postseason record.
“Mike is one of the best coaches in my opinion,” Jones said. “He was appointed as the coach here because I thought so, and he has not done anything to diminish my reputation as a coach.”
The Bears are looking for a head coach to turn things around after another disastrous season.
Chicago has already sent Lions coordinator Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. requesting an interview.
