The Bears are giving Mike McCarthy a taste of the best they have to offer.
According to ESPN, multiple reports said the former Cowboys coach was flown by private jet from Dallas to Wheeling, Illinois, to the Bears' facility for Wednesday's interview, a “deviation from team rules.” That's what it means.
He also “stayed late overnight before returning home” on Thursday. According to The Athletic.
McCarthy was in his second in-person interview with the Bears, and former Commanders coach Ron Rivera was also interviewed by Chicago's front office.
Chicago has met virtually with Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Pete Carroll and Mike Kafka, and will reportedly meet with Todd Monken on Friday.
Despite being late to join an NFL head coaching staff, he and the Cowboys were unable to agree on a new contract this week and became a free agent — McCarthy is a free agent and a rising star.
He is also reportedly a candidate for the open Saints job after going 49-35 in five seasons with Dallas (including a 7-10 finish this injury-plagued season). That's what it means.
At this time, only coaches who are not signed to another team are eligible for in-person interviews.
Assistant coaches interviewed by specific teams must be virtual-only until Jan. 20 unless they are participating in a conference championship.
Assistant coaches who are still actively coaching teams will not be available for in-person interviews until the bye week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Whoever ends up leading the Bears will likely have strong plans for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has had a rocky first year as Chicago's signal-caller.
Williams threw 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Bears, who finished the season at 5-12 and last in the NFC North.
Chicago has the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
