Report: Bears To Interview Quinn Today, Gase On Saturday
(CBS) The Bears' search for a new head coach will take shape this weekend in the form of interviews with Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
The Bears will be in Seattle today to meet with Quinn and then in Denver on Saturday to meet with Gase, according to the Chicago Tribune.
They are the first two known interviews the Bears will conduct as they try to fill openings at coach and general manager as well. Chairman George McCaskey, president Ted Phillips and consultant Ernie Accorsi are running the search after Monday's firings of general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman following a 5-11 season.
Quinn received an endorsement from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Seattle's had the NFL top-ranked scoring defense in the last two years under Quinn's direction.
"Danny is up for three different jobs," Carroll said on Sirius XM. "He's really hot right now. It's always been part of our approach that we want to help our guys achieve what they want to."
Gase also has talked openly of his opportunity for a coaching job. The Broncos had the league's top scoring offense in 2013 and second-best scoring offense this season.
Gase will also interview with the 49ers and Falcons.
"It's a great opportunity to be able to do this," Gase told reporters earlier this week at practice. "For (interested teams) to reach out and want to talk to me, I'm excited about it, but I'm also excited that we have another chance to make a (Super Bowl) run."
Chicago is interviewing Quinn and Gase already because each team has a first-round playoff bye, so they're free to meet now.
As of Friday morning, no reports indicate that interviews have been scheduled with GM candidates. The Bears have asked permission to interview Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard, Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson, Saints director of player personnel Ryan Pace and Texans director of pro personnel Brian Gaine. Chicago also had interest in Baltimore assistant general manager Eric DeCosta, but he will remain with the Ravens, the Tribune reported.
The Bears have also been reported to have interest in Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and former Bills coach Doug Marrone for their coaching vacancy. However, it's believed that Marrone is the leader to take over the Jets' coaching job.