The NFL world expects Mike McCarthy to be the Bears’ next head coach

On January 14, 2025By Littum

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of their head coaching search, which includes a broad list of candidates. The newest candidate is an intriguing name: Mike McCarthy, who is parting ways with the Dallas Cowboys after both sides failed to agree on a new contract.

Last week, Chicago asked for permission to interview McCarthy for their head coaching job, but they were denied. Now with McCarthy out in Dallas, the Bears are free to interview him for their vacancy. The New Orleans Saints are also showing interest in McCarthy.

The initial reaction around the NFL world is that McCarthy going to Chicago makes a lot of sense given his penchant for developing quarterbacks, which will be a focal point for Caleb Williams, and many expect that’s where he will end up lands. But there are others who believe the Bears could do better with someone like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is the top candidate back in this coaching cycle.

The NFL world expects Mike McCarthy to be the Bears’ next head coach

People won’t like it, but I 100% expect Mike McCarthy to end up as a finalist for #Bear job. Checks many of the fields they have claimed to be looking for during this search.

— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) 13 January 2025

There is no insider information just calling me. Mike McCarthy will be the next Bears HC

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) 13 January 2025

I hope Mike McCarthy lands with the Bears. It would be a good hire.

I would also keep an eye on the Raiders. Tom Brady is a HUGE fan. https://t.co/VwGh1whg9n

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) 13 January 2025

I will say this:

McCarthy LOOKS like a Bears guy. Trestman, Eberflus, those guys were never Bears guys.

I can see a week 12 win verse Minneosta to push us into the hunt at 5-7 and this big ole Bear coming out to the Waldron deck for a Miller and a brat. Can absolutely see it. https://t.co/73zJmemwJ7

— “Leader of Men” Nick (@Nick_Surges) 13 January 2025

If Chicago is unable to secure Ben Johnson, hiring Mike McCarthy would be a smart move, especially with the development of Caleb Williams. The Bears are in desperate need of stability, and McCarthy would undoubtedly provide that. pic.twitter.com/XvHCojWeY8

— Tom Gorski (@ThomasGorski33) 13 January 2025

Bringing in Mike McCarthy to help develop Caleb Williams would be the most Bears thing ever

— Eric Romoff (@FantasyNav) 13 January 2025

I wouldn’t be shocked at all if McCarthy is the Bears head coach in 2025

— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) 13 January 2025

Stray Mike McCarthy thoughts:

– The CV is what it is (and it’s good)
– For all his warts, MM deserves *SOME* credit for winning while managing Favre & Rodgers’ egos
– Also earns some credit for winning while working with an odd-ball owner

— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) 13 January 2025

Mike McCarthy will be a finalist for #DaBears Job.

The biggest question for him will be his plan to develop Caleb. If he can answer that and have a good plan around his coordinators, then he has a chance.

Personally, I’m not a fan of his staff in Dallas.

— Irish Bears Network (@IrishBearsShow) 13 January 2025

Mike McCarthy falls into that “You could definitely do worse, but you could definitely do better” for me.

I would at least be happy with an offensive mind for the Bears and Caleb.

(And I fear they would make it worse otherwise lol)

— Matt Clapp (@DaBearNecess) 13 January 2025

I think if the Bears were to hire Mike McCarthy it would be received by people who cover the Bears as a “good” hire

The thing is, when you start at the top of the coaching candidates this cycle (Ben Johnson) and switch to McCarthy, it’s going to be seen as a “bad” hire by fans

— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) 13 January 2025

Mike McCarthy’s West Coast-esque passing offenses are always QB-friendly

Can understand why the Bears would be moderately interested after hiring Waldron and seeing nothing but screens/iso routes all year

— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) 13 January 2025

Mike McCarthy has a really viable sales pitch for the Bears

– I have won in this division

– I’ve won with a mercurial bizarre QB for a decade

– I can fix Caleb Williams

— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) 13 January 2025

I would love to see Mike McCarthy coach the Bears. Curious what he could do with Caleb Williams and his development. And I don’t think they’re the complete dumpster fire that many thought this season was. They get better. With the right coach it could be very fast.

— John R. (@jrehor) 13 January 2025

Bland is not the word I would use.

Safe is more accurate.

George and Kevin know they can’t afford another horrendous miss as head coach.

McCarthy would likely give them stability and some winning seasons.

That would help make their positions less tenuous.#Bear https://t.co/iHE0iPqFC9

— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) 13 January 2025

McCarthy is such a shoot for the middle type of rent. That was exactly the thought process with Flus. It would be very bearish, but ultimately a disaster. How many times do you have to see him exposed by superior coaches. Would occur even more in the NFC North

— We’re back Ben Johnson (@TommyK_NFLDraft) 13 January 2025

100 percent in favor of hiring McCarthy. I know this team all too well

— … (@bulls_fanatic1) 13 January 2025

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: The NFL world expects Mike McCarthy to be the Bears’ next head coach