Former Chicago Bears linebacker and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has emerged as a candidate to become the team’s head coach.
Rivera is expected to interview with the club Sunday, according to NFL sources, and it is believed the meeting will be in person. To this point, the Bears have conducted only virtual interviews with candidates.
The club has announced completed interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. It’s believed the team has spoken with Iowa State coach Matt Campbell as well.
Rivera, 63, was the head coach for the Washington Commanders (2020-23) and Carolina Panthers (2011-19), winning Coach of the Year honors in 2013 and 2015. He guided the Panthers to their only Super Bowl appearance after the 2015 season. Rivera was the Bears defensive coordinator under Lovie Smith for three seasons from 2004-06 and when the team reached Super Bowl XLI.
The New York Jets already interviewed Rivera for their head coach opening. The Super Bowl XX member spent this season doing media work for NFL Network.
Rivera and his staff developed Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who was chosen as the league’s MVP in 2015.
The Bears are continuing to hold virtual interviews with candidates this weekend and will have more in the week ahead when candidates working for teams participating in the wild-card round of the playoffs are available. Candidates currently employed by other teams — including those not in the postseason — cannot interview in person until Jan. 20.