Tracking the Chicago Bears coaching search: The rumor mill

The Bears’ coaching search won’t officially begin until after the Bears and Packers finish the NFL season on Jan. 5 at Lambeau Field.

In the meantime, it only exists in the shadows, in the rumor mill.

There have been no reports yet that they are definitely interviewing a specific candidate for the position and it is unlikely anything will go beyond rumors before the final game and before they are allowed to start their interviews on January 8.

So far, all the talk about Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel and others is just speculation. That’s all he said, he said since nothing can happen yet.

Even Vrabel is now linked, even though he lost his coaching job at Tennessee after last season, as he is a contracted advisor to the Cleveland Browns for this season.

The Bears will now get everything in order for their search, talking to people who know potential candidates who could be on their long list before deciding to shorten it and begin interviews after the season.

The process outlined by Chairman Kevin Warren puts General Manager Ryan Poles in the driver’s seat, although it will require Warren’s approval and, ultimately, George McCaskey will have the opportunity to weigh in.

It was never made clear whether they would use a search company of any type to compile their list or for any other aspect. Poles were asked at Matt Eberflus’ firing press conference and weren’t specific, although they seemed inclined to handle this internally.

“We haven’t made that decision at this point,” he said. “We’re going to lean on the two of us and our entire organization, everyone on this think tank, and make sure we make the best decision.”

Here is what the rumor has been circulating and it will be updated.