Bears Could Have Competition For Ex-Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy
01/15/2025 01:33 PM
When the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy, the former Super Bowl champion immediately flew to the top of many teams' top targets list.
Initially, the Chicago Bears appeared to be the top target to secure McCarthy's services. Between his knack for getting the best out of quarterbacks and his experience, he's a much better option than a lot of the coaches the team has already interviewed.
But while the Bears have looked like the team to beat for a while, they could have competition.
According to ESPN reporters Courtney Cronin and Kalyn Kahler, the New Orleans Saints are seen as contenders for McCarthy and are expected to interview him in New Orleans in the days to come. As it stands, McCarthy is set to be just the second candidate to get an in-person interview with the Bears.
"From me and @KalynKahler: Per a league source, the Chicago Bears are conducting their in-person interview with Mike McCarthy this afternoon, their second known candidate to interview in person after Ron Rivera did on Sunday. McCarthy flew from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill. in private accommodations, which is a departure from previous team protocol. McCarthy is also a target for the Saints opening and expected to interview with New Orleans," Cronin wrote on X.
From me and @KalynKahler: Per a league source, the Chicago Bears are conducting their in-person interview with Mike McCarthy this afternoon, their second known candidate to interview in person after Ron Rivera did on Sunday. McCarthy flew from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill. in private…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 15, 2025
The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints appear to be on very different trajectories at the moment.
Chicago has a young quarterback in Caleb Williams who showed some promise as a rookie, putting up some of the best numbers that a Bears quarterback has enjoyed in a decade in spite of his 5-12 overall record. However, they play in the toughest division in the NFL right now and securing a winning season, let alone a trip to the playoffs, won't come easy for any coach.
The Saints have a more veteran quarterback in Derek Carr but not a whole lot to be excited about besides him. They have a lot of holes in the roster that need filling and that solid QB play won't be able to hide. Nevertheless, the NFC South is pretty ripe for the taking right now so getting back to the playoffs would probably be a lot easier with them than with the Bears.
Do you think McCarthy will wind up coaching either of these two teams?
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