The Chicago Bears head coach interview with Ron Rivera has an interesting twist

On By Littum

The Chicago Bears’ head coaching search lost one of its top candidates Mike Vrabel agrees to become the next head coach of the New England Patriots on Sundaybut the ball is still on the market for GM Ryan Poles to lure: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

But another name is emerging as a viable candidate to win the Bears job, and it’s a familiar one.

Ron Rivera.

Rivera served as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006 before landing head coaching jobs with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders. He was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year twice (2013 and 2015) in Carolina. Add in the fact that Rivera also played linebacker for Chicago from 1984 to 1992, and yes, the ties run deep in the Windy City.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera walks onto the field before the game

Bob Donnan-Imagn pictures

Still, Bears fans aren’t thrilled with the idea that Rivera could jump from one of the hotter names on this year’s coaching circuit. Maybe it’s because Rivera isn’t known as an offensive guru or quarterback whisperer. Maybe it’s because he’s an older candidate. Regardless of the reason, it certainly feels like Rivera would be a disappointment if he gets the job.

That slump might have also taken one step closer to arriving.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Rivera, unlike Johnson, will have one personal interview with the Bears on Sunday.

Yes, it’s a big deal.

Granted, logistics play a big role in whether a candidate will be interviewed in person or virtually. Ben Johnson is in the midst of a Super Bowl run with the Lions. Rivera, meanwhile, works as a broadcast analyst. Obviously, one guy has a little more time on his hands than the other. League rules also dictate when an active coach can begin in-person meetings.

Still, being interviewed in person means Rivera will have the opportunity to make a massive first impression on the Poles and the army of Bears executives participating in the coaching search. If he emerges as a coach who understands the team’s tradition as he outlines a plan to bring a winning culture back to Halas Hall? You never know. Rivera might be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears.

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