When the NFL regular season comes to a close, it sends the head-coaching carousel into high gear. The 2025 cycle is in full swing and began with seven openings across the NFL.  The cycle kicked off with the New England Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel after moving on from Jerod Mayo after one season,

Mike Vrabel best fit the attribute “leader of men’’ that the Bears are seeking in a head coach. That job description was so pointed, so specific that it left observers with the sense that former coach Matt Eberflus couldn’t lead men and, further, would have a difficult time leading animals, vegetables or minerals.

With Mike Vrabel locked up by New England, here's a ranking of who remains among the 'leader of men' class that seems important to Chicago decision makers.

The Patriots have interviewed a Chicago Bears coach for the offensive coordinator job, a source confirmed to MassLive

Mike Vrabel vowed to “put great people” around Drake Maye. He promised a thorough search to land the right offensive coordinator, the can’t miss coach who would take Maye to greater heights. In the end, he arrived at a familiar face.

Coach Mike Vrabel popped up on Bourne’s screen while he was chatting with fans. Initially, it seemed as if the newly-hired Patriots head coach was randomly calling in and joining in on the fun with one of his players. However, it quickly became apparent it wasn’t Vrabel on the line once the person started to talk.

The Bears interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel ... and coaches who would accompany him to Chicago. Bears players who played under Vrabel in Tennessee said he is a no-nonsense ...

Column: Chicago Bears’ coaching search enters Week 2 ... though the New England Patriots already found their new coach in Mike Vrabel. Before the Cowboys, McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers ...

Williams reunites with coach Mike Vrabel in New England after working on Vrabel's staff for six years with the Titans.

With Vrabel off the board, there are five NFL head coach vacancies, with the Bears, Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints still searching. All attention for Chicago should turn to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has been the hottest and most discussed name for the job outside of Vrabel.

After a 5-12, last-place season that included 10 consecutive losses and the in-season firings of coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Chicago Bears are now embarking on a search to hire the franchise’s next head coach.