Bears interview Mike Vrabel virtually as head coach search gets into gear
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears on Wednesday began a first round of virtual interviews with head coaching candidates.
Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel could have come to Halas Hall for an interview as a free agent, but he was instead interviewed virtually to get the ball rolling.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzking was also reportedly up first for a virtual interview Wednesday.
Altogether, there are over a dozen names in the mix for the potential next Bears head coach. It remains to be seen how long it will take to whittle the list down, but the development of Caleb Williams as Bears franchise quarterback—especially after his chaotic rookie season—is a key requirement for whoever gets the job.
"For a young quarterback, obviously, there's ideal fit, but at the end of the day, you've got to look at all the characteristics of what you're looking for in a head coach. Leadership, accountability, some of those important things that carry over regardless of what the situation is—it's the candidate that has the best collection of all of those things," said Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, "and yes, the development of a young quarterback is going to be a factor in that."
Meanwhile, it appears the Bears have also now officially asked the Washington Commanders for permission to talk to their offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, whose name has been floated as a possible head coach candidate ever since former coach Matte Eberflus was fired.
The onetime Arizona Cardinals head coach has a connection to Williams from when they were together at USC. However, Kingsbury might be content to stay in D.C. with likely offensive rookie of the year Jayden Daniels.
