The Chicago Bears are officially looking for a new head coach.

Just 24 hours after the Bears concluded their 2024 NFL season — with a dismal 5-12 record — the team began requesting interviews with a number of head coach candidates. Other big names, like former longtime Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, remain in the rumor mill.

Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was fired following the team’s 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The firing came after a six-game losing streak that began with a loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.

“This morning … we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head coaching position,” general manager Ryan Poles said at the time. “I would like to thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism and commitment to our organization. We thank him for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Eberflus — the first head coach in franchise history to be fired during a regular season — was 14-32 in more than two seasons with the Bears. Thomas Brown, who was recently promoted to offensive coordinator following the firing of Shane Waldron, took over as interim head coach at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

According to reports from across the NFL, the Bears plan to interview at least 13 candidates for their head coaching position so far.

Here are some of the candidates the Bears have reportedly contacted.

Drew Petzing, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator

On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears had requested an interview with Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Petzing helped the Cardinals develop one of the league’s best rushing offenses and oversaw the development of players such as wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride during his time in the desert.

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator; Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bears have also requested interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Under NFL rules, the Bears can’t talk to either candidate until Wednesday at the earliest, but both would have to be among the hottest candidates for head coaching jobs in this hiring cycle. Under Johnson, the Lions had the second-best offense in the NFL, averaging 409.5 yards per game, and also had the second-best passing offense in the league, leading many to believe that Johnson could be the key to unlocking Caleb Williams’ potential.

According to Pelissero, Johnson will also reportedly interview for the New England Patriots head coaching job. The Jacksonville Jaguars have now also requested an interview with Johnson.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Glenn is expected to interview with the Jets, Saints and Jaguars.

The Lions also had one of the league’s most accurate defenses, holding teams to 20.1 points per game, good for seventh in the league despite a series of injuries that sidelined some of the team’s biggest stars.

Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bears have also requested an interview with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

The Dolphins allowed 21.4 points per game, 11, this season^Th in the NFL and had one of the league’s best pass defenses, allowing 210.6 yards per game.

Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

According to Michael Silver of The Athletic, the Bears have expressed interest in interviewing Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

The New York Jets have also reportedly requested permission to interview Joseph.

Joseph was previously the Broncos’ head coach for two seasons, but thrived under Sean Payton’s regime in the Mile High City. Denver’s defense ranked seventh in the NFL with 317.1 yards per game and boasted the league’s third-best scoring defense, allowing just 18.3 points per game this season.

Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Tennessee Titans

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, the Bears will seek an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Globe, that interview will take place on Wednesday.

Vrabel spent the 2024 season as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns and was the head coach of the Titans for six years, winning two division titles and leading the team to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.

He will also likely be a strong contender for the Patriots job, as he has strong ties to the organization after a long playing career in New England.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears will request an interview with Brady this week.

Brady has been instrumental in the success of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who is a leading contender for the NFL’s MVP award this season. The Bills averaged 359.1 yards per game on offense this season and had one of the league’s strongest passing offenses at 227.9 yards per game, good for ninth in the league.

Brady also worked as an assistant under Sean Payton while with the New Orleans Saints and was the passing game coordinator for LSU when they won a national title with Joe Burrow as the team’s star quarterback.

Thomas Brown, interim coach of the Chicago Bears

Bears interim coach Thomas Brown will get an interview with the team after winning his final game at the helm, general manager Ryan Poles told ESPN 1000 before Sunday’s game.

Brown began the season as the Bears’ passing game coordinator, but was promoted to offensive coordinator after Shane Waldron was fired. After Matt Eberflus was fired at the end of November, he was promoted to interim head coach.

Todd Monken, offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens

According to Pelissero, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken could be interviewing with the Bears for their head coaching position.

Needless to say, Monken’s reputation precedes him. The Ravens, led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, had the NFL’s best offense in 2024, averaging 424.9 yards per game. They were also one of two NFL teams to average more than 30 points per game and also had the league’s best rushing offense, averaging 187.6 yards per game.

Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears have asked the Dallas Cowboys for permission to interview head coach Mike McCarthy for their head coaching position.

McCarthy has a 49-35 record in five seasons with the Cowboys. He also won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2010.

Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have requested an interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Flores, who was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, oversaw one of the NFL’s best run defenses for the Vikings, as they allowed 93.4 yards per game on the ground. They also ranked fifth in the league in points allowed per game, allowing 19.5 points per contest.

Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Schefter also reported that the Bears requested an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Smith, who was head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons before joining the Steelers, worked with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the 2024 season, helping Pittsburgh to a playoff spot. His offense was just outside the top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will interview with the Bears for their head coaching position.

Kafka was born in Chicago and played football at St. Rita of Cascia before playing for the Northwestern Wildcats. He previously worked with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Giants in 2022, where he served as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

David Shaw, general manager of the Denver Broncos

Rapoport reported Monday night that the Bears had requested an interview with Broncos manager David Shaw.

Shaw was the head coach at Stanford for 12 seasons, compiling a 96-54 record during his time with the Cardinal. He led his team to eight straight bowl berths, including two Rose Bowl victories in 2012 and 2015.

Shaw also has experience at various NFL positions, including with the Raiders, Ravens and Chargers.