Chicago Bears coaching search: Adam Schefter reveals insight on Mike McCarthy's interview with team

The Chicago Bears went to market for a head coach earlier than most NFL teams, making the decision to fire Matt Eberflus following Thanksgiving. Now, it appears the Bears are looking to focus their coaching search on Mike McCarthy.

While making an appearance on Get Up, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared some insight into the process between McCarthy and Chicago, explaining the two sides have finally had their first interview for the open job.

“Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was in Halas Hall yesterday. Just the idea of that seems so interesting. He met with Bears officials throughout the day yesterday, going through his first head coaching interview. He also is expected to speak at some point with the New Orleans Saints, but the Bears spent Wednesday with the former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.”

Thanks to McCarthy being under contract with the Dallas Cowboys and the exclusive negotiating window that Dallas had with him until Tuesday at midnight, McCarthy wasn’t able to begin the interview process sooner. On top of that, Dallas didn’t grant a request for Chicago to interview him early, which, given that his contract wasn’t renewed, came as a surprise to many.

Ultimately, McCarthy now has some options moving forward. One of those appears to be the Bears, who need to nail their next hire going into the second season for the franchise with first-overall pick Caleb Williams. They’ve also clearly expressed interest going back to when McCarthy was still with Dallas. Then, another NFC team, the New Orleans Saints, have also been connected to the veteran coach.

For his own part, McCarthy won a Super Bowl as an NFC North head coach. He led the Packers from 2006 through 2018. During that time, he had a record of 125-77-2, won the NFC North six times, and took Green Bay to the playoffs nine times. Since 2006, Chicago has won the NFC North three times and made the playoffs four times. It’s been since 1985 when the Bears won a Super Bowl.

While with the Cowboys, McCarthy had three straight 12-5 seasons, going to the playoffs without winning a game in each of those seasons. That run of success was bookended by losing records.

Now 61 years old, McCarthy still clearly has the desire to be a head coach in the NFL. It also appears he may have some options to choose from as he goes through the hiring process once again.