The Chicago Bears’ 2024 season is now over, and all focus shifts toward the search for their next head coach. It will dominate headlines in and around Chicago over the next few weeks.

We’ve already heard names of coaches who might be interested in the gig, or guys the Bears might be interested in hiring, flying about the rumor mill.

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This decision might be one of the biggest in recent franchise history. That’s why general manager Ryan Poles simply must get it right.

Some intriguing names are attached to the Bears’ search, though more coaches not mentioned here will be associated with Chicago in the coming days.

Poles and team president Kevin Warren will conduct an exhaustive search before making their selection, though they have to follow specific NFL rules about interviewing candidates.

Let’s look at some names that have been associated with the Bears to this point:

Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator

Report of Bears connection: Sports Illustrated

Pros: Flores is a respected defensive mind and a creative play caller with a track record of success as a coordinator. He has also been a head coach with the Miami Dolphins, and understands what it takes to fill that role well. He’s a no nonsense and could provide the discipline Bears players say they’re looking for in the next coach.

Cons: Tua Tagovialoa’s comments about Flores and his relationship with his quarterback might scare the Bears off – assuming their investigation into his background backs the claims up – considering how they want someone to mentor and develop Caleb Williams.

Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator

Report of Bears connection: CBS, ESPN

Pros: He’s an offensive wizard and someone with an outgoing personality who could do wonders for Caleb Williams’ development. He’s the most in-demand candidate on the market and would show the fan base the Bears are going big.

Cons: Johnson will command a ton on the open market and will have the leverage of the open market and the prospect of simply returning to Detroit. Also, will he want to pair with Poles and Bears ownership, which has struggled to find stability?

Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator

Report of Bears connection: The Athletic

Pros: He had Miami’s defense humming in 2024, which rarely happens. He’s also well regarded as a leader who is disciplined but his well liked by his players.

Cons: Weaver doesn’t have many years as a play caller or high-level assistant.

Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator

Report of Bears connection: Sports Illustrated

Pros: He has worked with Caleb Williams at USC, and the two have a good rapport. Kingsbury has also worked wonders with Jayden Daniels in Washington, plus he has been a head coach before.

Cons: Kingsbury doesn’t have a good record as a head coach in Arizona. Also, is it a good look to not hire someone as offensive coordinator one year and then make him head coach the next?

Mike Vrabel, Free agent

Report of Bears connection: The Athletic, FOX

Pros: He’s known as a great leader and a CEO type coach who consistently got the most out of his teams in Tennessee. He’s also a good game manager and culture builder, who also has a track record of hiring and developing good offensive coordinators. He’s expected to interview with the Bears this week.

Cons: He’ll have interest from several teams and is someone else who could be expensive. Will he expect personnel control?

Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator

Report of Bears connection: Sports Illustrated

Pros: Just look at what he has done with a banged up Lions defense, especially down the stretch. He’s a former player who understands what players need from a head coach, and his defensive prowess could bring back and old-school version of Bears football.

Cons: If you’re going for a Lions coordinator, wouldn’t Ben Johnson be the guy? Also, if Johnson gets an HC gig, isn’t he taking Detroit some top offensive assistants with him? Then who is Glenn’s OC?

Pete Carroll, Free agent

Report of Bears connection: ESPN

Pros: Carroll has won a Super Bowl. He built a program in Seattle that achieved sustained success, even when his talent levels weren’t always sky high. He reportedly has interest in the job and could build a disciplined culture that has an air of positivity.

Cons: Carroll is 73 years old. How long will he want to coach in Chicago? Seems like the Bears are looking for a long and lasting partnership.

Thomas Brown, Bears interim head coach

Pros: Poles said on ESPN 1000 that Brown would be interviewed for the full-time position, and he’s a well-liked and respected individual inside the Bears locker room.

Cons: While he was put in a tough spot, his results as interim head coach weren’t great, with lopsided loss and woeful offensive performances leading into Week 18.