• The Chicago Bears are actively seeking a new head coach following the firing of Matt Eberflus.
• Former Stanford coach David Shaw and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are among the candidates being considered.
• The development of quarterback Caleb Williams is a key focus for the next head coach after a disappointing season.
• Shaw and Smith are part of a larger list of 11 confirmed candidates, including notable coaches like Ron Rivera and Pete Carroll.
• The Bears finished last in the NFC North, ending the season with a record of 5-12.

The Chicago Bears have ramped up their efforts to find a new head coach, interviewing both former Stanford coach David Shaw and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in recent days. Shaw, aged 52, boasts an impressive record of 96-54 with three Pac-12 titles during his tenure at Stanford and has experience in the NFL with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, Smith, who took on a pivotal role with the Steelers last year, guided the team to a significant scoring increase, moving from 27th to 16th in the league.

These interviews come as the Bears aim to replace Matt Eberflus, who was let go after a disappointing 5-12 season, culminating in a 10-game losing streak before a final victory against Green Bay. The next coach will have the critical task of nurturing quarterback Caleb Williams, whose potential remains paramount despite facing significant challenges throughout the season. Williams was drafted first overall but endured a tough rookie year, highlighted by league-leading 68 sacks.

In total, the Bears have interviewed 11 candidates, including interim coach Thomas Brown, former coaches like Ron Rivera, Ben Johnson, and Pete Carroll, and several offensive coordinators. The team is desperate to turn around their fortunes as they look to return to playoff contention following four straight losing seasons.

For ongoing coverage of this coaching search, visit AP NFL.