It looks like the Chicago Bears head coaching search will last a while.
The Bears interview list for candidates to replace Matt Eberflus has stretched into the double digits in mid-January. Chicago is looking at everyone from former college coaches to former NFL coaches. Assistants with no head coaching experience are sprinkled in between.
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson were expected to be the top two candidates for Chicago. Vrabel interviewed with the Bears on Wednesday. Johnson met with Chicago on Saturday, and general manager Ryan Poles reportedly wants Johnson.
One of those candidates is off the table.
The New England Patriots are hiring Mike Vrabel
Per Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the New England Patriots are hiring Vrabel.
“The Patriots are expected to hire Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, per me and Tom Pelissero”, Rapoport posted on X. “The clear favorite from the beginning. A former All-Pro in New England and member of the team’s Hall of Fame, Vrabel lands at his top choice. Back with his old team.”
The #Patriots are expected to hire Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, per me and @TomPelissero. The clear favorite from the beginning.
A former All-Pro in New England and member of the team’s Hall of Fame, Vrabel lands at his top choice. Back with his old team. pic.twitter.com/dG0mjY07KV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2025
Vrabel going to the Patriots was expected after New England fired Jerod Mayo. Still, the Bears had a chance to persuade him to be a culture changer in Chicago. Vrabel went 54-45 in his six seasons with the Titans. He was 2-3 in the postseason.
Johnson appears to be the top candidate remaining for Chicago with Vrabel headed to Massachusetts.
If the Bears want an experienced head coach, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll would be the top option, at least until Mike McCarthy is eligible to meet with Chicago on Tuesday.
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