Mike McCarthy ended his team's disappointing 2024 season by confidently explaining himself as "a winner."
At least one team outside of the Dallas Cowboys building was listening.
The Chicago Bears have requested permission from the Cowboys to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coaching position, NFL Network's Jane Slater reported on Monday.
The request is a fascinating one because of McCarthy's current standing as coach of the Cowboys, a team that fell well below expectations in 2024, finishing 7-10. Because of Dallas' slide this season, McCarthy has been considered to be on the hot seat for months, but the tone of owner Jerry Jones' Sunday remarks regarding McCarthy suggested otherwise.
As of Monday afternoon, McCarthy remained employed by the Cowboys. That didn't prevent the Bears from asking to speak with the veteran coach and winner of Super Bowl XLV.
Chicago isn't leaving any stones unturned in their search for a coach, requesting permission to interview nine candidates so far. Only one (McCarthy) is a current head coach, although two other candidates (Arthur Smith, Brian Flores) have past head coaching experience.
Their timing remains intriguing. If McCarthy is indeed on unsteady footing, Dallas might think twice about parting with him after learning another NFC team is eager to speak with him.
Because they retain exclusivity rights, the Cowboys can block the request until Jan. 14 when McCarthy's contract with Dallas expires, meaning the Bears would essentially have to pause their process until then if they'd like to seriously consider McCarthy for their opening. Such a delay isn't guaranteed, though, as Dallas could give permission prior to that date.
Regardless, the request is an ambitious one and proves the reputations of coaches can vary by organization. We'll see if Chicago ends up meeting with the Cowboys coach.
