(670 The Score) The Bears on Sunday turned to a familiar name in their head coaching search, conducting an interview with longtime NFL coach Ron Rivera.
Rivera, 63, played for the Bears from 1984-’92 and served as an assistant coach for the team for five years. He was the defensive coordinator in Chicago during its last Super Bowl appearance in early February 2007.
Rivera served as head coach in Carolina from 2011-’19 and in Washington from 2020-’23. He was named AP Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015 while leading the Panthers.
Rivera is 102-103-2 over 13 seasons as an NFL head coach. He has worked in various media roles this past season while out of coaching in 2024.
The Bears’ interview with Rivera is their first known in-person interview during this coaching search. The team’s search committee had conducted virtual interviews to this point, even with candidates who are eligible to meet in person.
The Bears have a head coach opening after firing Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29. That marked the first ever in-season firing of a head coach in franchise history.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles – who has been retained for a fourth season in his position – is considered the “point man” in this coaching search, team president/CEO Kevin Warren said.
Poles will be joined in the search process by Warren, chairman George McCaskey, senior director of player personnel Jeff King, director of football administration Matt Feinstein and chief human resources officer Liz Geist.
The Bears may also include members of their senior leadership team in the interview process. Eleven individuals hold titles of executive vice president or senior vice president.
The Bears have stated their intention to conduct a wide-ranging coaching search. Poles began the process shortly after firing Eberflus, starting by gathering background information and making phone calls to gather intel on potential candidates.
“We're looking for clear vision, a developmental mindset, really good game management and obviously a plan to develop a quarterback is going to be a key part of that as well,” Poles said. “We're going to cast a wide net. It's going to be a diverse group. This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We're turning every stone to make sure we're doing this the right way.
“There's going to be some names that you don't expect, that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before. In terms of timing, we're going to move with urgency, but we're not going to rush the process.
“We want it to be a sound process.”
Rivera is the eighth candidate the Bears have interviewed as of Sunday. They've also interviewed Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who has since accepted an offer to become the Patriots' new head coach.
The Bears have one of five remaining coaching vacancies still open. The Jets, Saints, Raiders and Jaguars each have positions available as well.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.