• The Chicago Bears have conducted interviews for their head coaching position with Todd Monken, Joe Brady, and Brian Flores.
• All three candidates have experience with high-profile NFL offenses and defenses.
• The Bears are seeking a replacement for Matt Eberflus following a disappointing 5-12 season.
• Caleb Williams' development remains a priority for the new head coach.
• The team has considered a diverse range of applicants in their search.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears are actively seeking a new head coach and have recently interviewed notable candidates Todd Monken and Joe Brady for the position. Monken, currently the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, is a product of the Chicago area. Under his guidance, the Ravens have achieved significant results, leading the NFL in total offense and third in scoring during the regular season. Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, has also made headlines, managing an offense that ranked second in scoring and tenth in yards per game.

In addition to Monken and Brady, the Bears interviewed Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator, known for his strong defensive strategies. Flores previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and has a notable background in improving team defense. Despite challenges in his previous roles, his experience could be pivotal for a Bears defense that struggled during the last season. He immediately became a topic of interest as he previously filed a lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices within the NFL, adding a layer of complexity and attention to his candidacy.

The search for a new head coach comes after the firing of Matt Eberflus following a disappointing season that left the Bears in last place in the NFC North with a record of 5-12. The team is focused on developing quarterback Caleb Williams, who, despite impressive statistics, suffered from a historic number of sacks last season as he was brought down a franchise-record 68 times.

The Bears have interviewed a total of 15 candidates, including Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions offensive coordinator), Mike McCarthy (former Green Bay Packers head coach), and other potential candidates who have played significant roles in NFL coaching environments. They are exploring a diverse selection of coaches, which reveals the team's commitment to rejuvenating their franchise and finding the best fit for their future needs.

This head coaching search is emblematic of the Bears’ broader efforts to rebuild and strengthen their roster as they prepare for upcoming seasons. Keeping the focus on optimizing offensive and defensive strategical strengths will be key in the hiring process. For more updates on the NFL coaching carousel, visit AP News NFL for continuous coverage.