Bears wrap up interview with Mike McCarthy after Cowboys departure

The Dallas Cowboys did do not renew Mike McCarthy’s contract this offseason. After a seven-win season, Jerry Jones finally decided to bring in a new head coach. Meanwhile, McCarthy immediately made demands Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints for their head coaching vacancies. He finished his interview with the Bears on Wednesday.

McCarthy spent 13 years as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018. In those 13 years, he made the playoffs nine times and won the Super Bowl. Even though he’s been leading their mortal enemy for so long, he could be the Bears’ next coach. But the coaching merry-go-round could land in many different places.

For McCarthy, the merry-go-round could stop in another familiar place. He was the offensive coordinator for the Saints before joining the Packers. Mickey Loomis was the general manager then and still runs things in New Orleans. Connections lead to a lot of NFL jobs, so don’t be surprised if McCarthy lands there.

But the Bears head coaching job is a better opportunity than the Saints job. They have the best player at quarterback and some solid pieces around him. New Orleans is in payroll hell and has no quarterback.

Should the Bears hire Mike McCarthy?

The Bears have interviewed every major candidate, and some minor ones, this coaching cycle. Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Pete Carroll and Ron Rivera are some of the notable candidates for the role. McCarthy has head coaching experience and should be seriously considered for the role. But should he be the final choice?

Everything about the 2024 Bears needs to change immediately. Their offensive line is a disaster, their wide receiver room has been disappointing, and Caleb Williams has shown serious flaws. It’s very important to bring in someone who can change the culture immediately. McCarthy has done it before and could do it again with one of the most storied franchises in the NFL.

The Bears should hire Mike McCarthy get the most out of Caleb Williams. He captained the ship during Aaron Rodgers’ multiple MVP seasons and Dak Prescott’s prime years. His offensive pedigree has led him to an exceptionally long coaching career, and Williams is the franchise’s top priority.

Other candidates could fill that role. Ben Johnson is the hottest coordinator market, they also interviewed offensive coordinators Drew Petzing, Mike Kafka, Arthur Smith and Thomas Brown. None of those coaches have the same pedigree as McCarthy. He fits the needs of the Bears best and should be the next coach.