The Chicago Bears are casting an even wider net as part of their head coaching search.
The Bears are expected to interview former NFL running back and current Tennessee State University coach Eddie George in person on Sunday, ESPN reported.
The team is familiar with George, a Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee, as he spent time with Chicago during the 2023 offseason as a Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching fellow in OTAs.
George has been leading Tennessee State’s football program since 2021, a tenure marked by growth and steady improvement.
In 2024, he guided the Tigers to a 9-4 record and a berth in the FCS playoffs, a milestone that earned him the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year award.
George, 51, also led the Tigers to their first conference championship since 1999 this past season.
He has compiled a 24-22 record in his four seasons at the helm — 15-9 over the last two years with a 13-12 tally in conference play.
George had a standout NFL career as a player, primarily with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers/тιтans, amᴀssing over 10,000 rushing yards and 78 touchdowns across nine seasons.
He played from 1996 to 2004, spending his final season with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Bears are one of six current coaching vacancies in the league, along with the Jets, Saints, Raiders, Jaguars and Cowboys.
Chicago parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus in late November. He had been with the team since January 2022.
The Bears have had 16 first-round interviews thus far, according to ESPN, including former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who exited Dallas last week.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former Commanders coach Ron Rivera have also interviewed for the job.
George has not yet coached at the NFL level.
