The search begins. Teams like the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots have identified their ideal candidates for the head coach role and have started the interview process. But the overlap of the NFL playoffs and coaching search will have many of the league’s top names doing overtime this month. Regardless, figures like Pete Carroll, Anthony Weaver, Drew Petzing, and Mike Vrabel are being considered for the vacant seats in these teams. For instance, the Bears are quite interested in them after they fired Matt Eberflus and the interim HC Thomas Brown.

However, did the team make a grave mistake during the virtual interviews? Here’s what two reporters said about the entire process.

On the December 9 episode of the ‘Big Pro Football Show’, David Haugh stated, “Well, I think it all depends on who they end up with. If they end up with the right coach, and maybe it is Mike Vrabel, or Ben Johnson or Pete Carroll, or somebody you could live with, then the end with justify the means. But right now, it does seem like a misjudgment to me. Not all these candidates are equal. Not all these candidates you can meet in person with. But the two that you could, you didn’t. Pete Carroll, Mike Vrabel.

“Those are guys you want to sell on the Chicago Bears as much as they are trying to sell themselves to you. And they had an opportunity to set up an in-person meeting to make an impression. You only have once to make that impression. They missed that chance. Also, let’s face it. This is a cynical world we live in. They left the impression by doing this, by having zooms and virtual interviews, that they were cheap. And I don’t know if that’s fair and I don’t think that’s accurate, but that is the perception that you risk leaving when you have virtual interviews when you could fly in two guys to do things in person.

Things look more dramatic as Vrabel is going to the Patriots building for an in-person talk with the owner, Robert Kraft, and others.

Further, Haugh’s co-panelist Clay Harbor had a similar take on the issue. While both of them agreed about a 1-on-1 interview with Mike Vrabel, Harbor highlighted that it was just the first round of interviews. Harbor stated:

“If you are interested in Mike Vrabel, you have to get him in the building. The Patriots have him in the building… And you haven’t looked him in the face and seen how he interacts with players, how he interacts with coaches and that’s what you want to see from a leader.”

However, there are some rules that teams must abide by. For instance, teams with open HC positions can begin virtual interviews with candidates from other teams on Jan. 6. However, a team looking for a new coach can also conduct in-person or virtual interviews with candidates from other NFL teams whose seasons ended.

Overall, the Bears did it right. Yes, they should have brought Vrabel into the building, but considering it’s the first round, the approach seems fine. Also, the playoffs are upon us, and potential HCs like the Lions OC Ben Johnson are busy. The management is trying to find the best candidate, let us see how good these coaches are.

Can Mike Vrabel or someone else fit in with the Bears?

For the Bears, the biggest thing to look for is someone who can help their rookie QB Caleb Williams make a dangerous O-line. He needs guidance, along with the will and tenacity to win games. They haven’t been to the NFL Playoffs since the 2020 season and so the pressure is building up.

Out of the four coaches mentioned, Pete Carroll might be the best. He comes with a decade plus experience in the league as a head coach. Having won a Super Bowl (XLVIII in 2014) with the Seahawks, he can change the direction of the franchise. While the Bears have completed the interview with him, they still want to check their all options.

Mike Vrabel comes second, with his six years as Titans HC. He took them thrice to the playoffs. So, he has the necessary experience. Additionally, if the Bears want to change the culture inside Halas Hall and want more than a coach, then Vrabel is their man. He has proved he can make things work without high-level talent.

Then, Anthony Weaver, serving as defensive coordinator of the Dolphins, has never been a head coach. However, he has been in different coaching positions for a decade now. It’s a similar case with the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. He also has 10+ years of experience. But both of them have never handled things from the top. That comes with its own pressure.

The pace of the Bears’ management is increasing. They might sign the new coach soon. Who do you think fits best?