Cowboys deny Bears permission to interview McCarthy, source says - ESPN

The Dallas Cowboys have denied permission to the Chicago Bears to interview coach Mike McCarthy, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

Multiple sources said Monday that the Bears had sought permission to speak with McCarthy regarding their head coaching vacancy.

However, the Bears will interview Pete Carroll, 73, for the job Thursday, sources told ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler. Carroll has expressed interest in the job and would like to return to the sideline in 2025, sources told Schefter last month.

The Bears also requested to interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Schefter reported. They also are expected to interview former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Bears interim coach Thomas Brown, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, among others.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who will lead the team's coaching search, said during his season-ending news conference Tuesday that all options are on the table, including considering trading for a coach.

«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. «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.»

McCarthy's contract expires Wednesday, but the Cowboys hold exclusive negotiating rights through Jan. 14. After that, McCarthy would become a coaching free agent.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones continued to praise McCarthy after Sunday's season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders but was noncommittal regarding the coach's future