Bears Reportedly Rolled Out the Red Carpet for Mike McCarthy

Stephen Douglas | Jan 16, 2025

Mike McCarthy during the 2024 preseason. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears interviewed former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy for their open head-coaching job on Wednesday. He was the second person to interview for the job after former Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera interviewed with the team on Sunday.

Before McCarthy even arrived at the interview, ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported that his interview was different because the team had flown him using "private accommodations" which was a "departure from previous team protocol."

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

Now that the interview is in the books, more details have come out with The Athletic's Adam Jahns posting on X that McCarthy "stayed late and overnight and then went home earlier today."

As the Bears’ search continues with more interviews, it’s important to note how different Mike McCarthy’s was: Flew in by the team, had his interview, stayed late and overnight and then went home earlier today.

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) January 17, 2025

This is quite the departure from Dallas, where the team wouldn't even grant McCarthy the right to interview with the Bears last week. Now he's getting special travel perks and spending the night.

It sure sounds like the Bears want to lock him down, but with the New Orleans Saints reportedly looking to interview McCarthy, they better make their move soon.

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