The Chicago Bears have requested permission from the Dallas Cowboys to interview their head coach Mike McCarthy, according to ESPN. The request comes as the search for a new Bears coach heats up with the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season. McCarthy is under contract through January 14 and has exclusive negotiating rights with the Cowboys until then.
McCarthy coached this season without an extension after leading the Cowboys to only one playoff victory in four seasons. Despite winning the NFC East in 2023, the team was eliminated in the wild-card round by the Green Bay Packers, and McCarthy did not secure a new deal. The Cowboys’ performance in 2024 was disappointing, with a 7-10 record that left them out of playoff contention.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to clarify his intentions regarding McCarthy’s future with the team. When asked about McCarthy’s future, Jones said he would follow a similar timeframe as in the past, leaving his decision unclear.
McCarthy himself wants to remain in Dallas but acknowledges that he has invested a lot in the team. The Bears are reportedly interested in interviewing McCarthy if the Cowboys and he do not work out a new deal by January 14.
The Bears franchise is at a critical juncture as they approach their second season with quarterback Caleb Williams, who had a disastrous first season under head coach Matt Eberflus. The Bears need stability on the sidelines to develop Williams and end their playoff drought dating back to 2020. McCarthy’s coaching experience and background in developing quarterbacks make him an attractive candidate.
However, McCarthy also has a history of game mismanagement that could be a concern for the Bears’ fan base, who remember his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether McCarthy is the right fit for the Bears, especially with Williams’ future at stake.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-reportedly-request-permission-from-cowboys-to-interview-head-coach-mike-mccarthy-220618511.html