GM Ryan Poles: Bears to 'look at all avenues' to find new coach - ESPN

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will lead the team's search for its next head coach and is prepared to explore an unconventional path to land his top candidate.

When asked Tuesday during his season-ending news conference whether he would consider trading for a head coach, Poles said that all options are on the table.

«We'll look at all avenues to get the best coach here,» Poles said.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is reportedly drawing interest from teams across the NFL about acquiring his services via trade. O'Connell made clear Monday that he wants to remain in Minnesota, but the possibility of teams using draft capital to trade for the 39-year-old coach has stirred speculation.

The Bears will begin their first round of interviews this week and will interview candidates from both the college and NFL ranks. Poles listed four qualities that he's prioritizing in the head coach he will ultimately hire and believes casting a «wide net» will land the organization the right fit.

«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.»

The Bears most recently requested to interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. They are also 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.

The Bears also requested permission to