Bears still have full slate of head coaching interviews with these 4 legitimate candidates

The Chicago Bears head coaching search continues to evolve by the day. This latest NFL insider update suggests the team is nowhere close to making a final decision.

Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Just when you think the Chicago Bears have narrowed down their coaching search to two candidates, NFL Network insider Peter Schrager drops a bomb on X (formerly Twitter).

"The Bears still have a full dance card of head coach interviews ahead and all four individuals are considered legitimate contenders for the job," Schrager tweeted. "Todd Monken, Joe Brady, Brian Flores, and Adam Stenavich are all still on the docket and will be interviewed in coming days."

Yeah, this is getting a bit ridiculous now.

Schrager's update comes on the heels of a report by Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, who said during an appearance on the The Herd with Colin Cowherd, that Chicago identified Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy as the favorites for the job.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Bears fans are slowly beginning to accept the reality that either Johnson or McCarthy will emerge victorious. Sure, there are larger pro-Johnson and anti-McCarthy crowds in the fanbase, but that's to be expected. Johnson is the the Golden Boy of this year's coaching circuit; anyone the Bears hire other than him will be viewed as a second choice.

Reality might paint a different picture, however. According to Schrager, the Chicago Bears are very much interested in talking to at least four more candidates, and as general manager Ryan Poles said during his end-of-year press conference, a surprise candidate could emerge from a long and meticulous interview process.

Bears fans don't want surprises. They want Ben Johnson.

Maybe that suprise candidate will be Brady. Maybe it'll be Flores. At this point, Bears fans are hoping for the sweet relief of a final decision.

Unfortunately, Poles and the organization don't seem anywhere close to making one.

The Bears still have a full dance card of HC interviews ahead and all 4 individuals are considered legitimate contenders for the job.

Todd Monken, Joe Brady, Brian Flores, and Adam Stenavich are all still on the docket and will be interviewed in coming days. @gmfb @nflnetwork

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 16, 2025

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bears from Chicago Bears on SI  —

More Chicago Bears News:

• Chicago Bears run major risk if head coach search runs too slowly

• Bears giving Mike McCarthy first-class treatment during in-person coaching interview

• Caleb Williams offers strange advice to Marcus Freeman about Bears coaching job

• Caleb Williams breaks his silence about Ben Johnson prank