With the regular season in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Bears have turned their focus toward a coaching search that will be one of the most significant processes in team history. The Bears have heavy lifting ahead to close the gap on three division rivals who qualified for the playoffs.

The Chicago Bears have sent several requests to interview coaches following the end of their season on Sunday. The Bears sent a formal request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson among several other coordinators around the league.

The Chicago Bears are off and running in their search for a new head coach, and another candidate has entered the mix. The Bears sought permission to interview Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and are awaiting Dallas' response to the request,