Mike McCarthy flies "privately" to Bears for HC interview after Cowboys departure

After the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy on Monday, the experienced, Super Bowl-winning coach has gauged interest from a few NFL teams.

One of those teams is the Chicago Bears, who are conducting an in-person interview with McCarthy on Wednesday. In fact, McCarthy flew privately to meet with the Bears in Wheeling, Illinois, according to ESPN NFL reporter Courtney Cronin.

"Per a league source, the Chicago Bears are conducting their in-person interview with Mike McCarthy this afternoon, their second known candidate to interview in person after Ron Rivera did on Sunday. McCarthy flew from Dallas to Wheeling, Ill. in private accommodations, which is a departure from previous team protocol. McCarthy is also a target for the Saints opening and expected to interview with New Orleans," Cronin wrote on X.

It wasn't specified if McCarthy was flown out privately by the team or at his own cost.

The New Orleans Saints are currently the other known team to be interested in McCarthy. They plan to meet with him next week, although there is no set date yet. The Saints fired Dennis Allen during the 2024-25 season and are one of six teams looking for a new coach.

Dallas Cowboys defensive star Micah Parsons opens up on the team moving on from Mike McCarthy

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Some people were happy to see Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys split up. Some weren't, including Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons.

Shortly after learning that the team would be moving on from McCarthy, Parsons opened up about his disappointment of the team moving on from McCarthy, praising McCarthy during his tenure in Dallas. Parsons said via his podcast, "The Edge":

"I'm obviously very sad because of the relationships we had with Coach McCarthy and everything he's done for our program. Three straight 12-5 seasons, playoff appearances and obviously an unfortunate year due to injuries. ... It is devastating. Coach Mike is a great father, great coach. One of the most winningest coaches. He's always been good to us as a unit, coaches, players. Losing a great coach like Mike hurts."

During his five-season tenure with Dallas, McCarthy piled up a 49-35 record while leading the team to three-straight 12-5 records and making three playoff appearances. McCarthy has an overall record of 174-112-1 and has won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in the past.