Bears head coach search: Will George McCaskey be involved?

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a search for the team's next head coach following the firing of Matt Eberflus earlier this season. There's been plenty of questions about how the search will be conducted and who will be at the controls.

In the past, chairman George McCaskey has been heavily involved in the interview and hiring process, but it sounds like he's taking a step back.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, McCaskey plans to be hands-off during the early search for the Bears' next head coach. General manager Ryan Poles will be leading the charge for the coaching search, where the team is a looking for a "leader of men" type.

"George wants Ryan to run this," a source told Jones. "Kevin will get what he needs to keep him involved but it's Ryan's decision, and Ryan's running point. Philosophically George's view is football stays football. Even though the reporting structure is Ryan going to Kevin, George wants football people making football decisions."

Jones said a second source explained why McCaskey will be hands off during the search.

"He doesn't want any of the blame if this doesn't work out," the source said.

There have been some early candidates emerging for the Bears' job, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Jones said a third source noted that Bears president Kevin Warren might look to make a "splash hire" to generate excitement within the fan base and "help him get a stadium." If that's the case, Johnson would certainly be the projected frontrunner.

The Bears haven't interviewed any candidates yet, but the search will kick into gear now with the regular season coming to a close.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears head coach search: Will George McCaskey be involved?