Could Bears inquire with Kevin Byard on Mike Vrabel as head coach?

The Chicago Bears may have a chance to turn to a veteran on their roster when inquiring about a potential hire for their head coaching vacancy.

Last week, while discussing potential options of who could be targeted as the next head coach of the Bears, Chicago Sports Network discussed former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and a connection he has to the Bears already -- veteran safety, and team captain, Kevin Byard.

A third-round pick of the Titans in 2016, Byard was a member of the organization when they hired Vrabel as their head coach in 2018. His best season under Vrabel came in 2021, when Byard was named both a Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro, the same year in which Vrabel was named the NFL's Coach of the Year.

In just his second year in Tennessee, Vrabel led the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, where they'd be eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs, but it would be their first of three consecutive playoff appearances. During that time, he collected 54 wins in six seasons, with two playoff victories in five appearances.

Much attention has been paid to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, as well as Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady for Chicago's head coach vacancy. But if the Bears give Vrabel the opportunity, they could lean on Byard for insight. If Vrabel was hired by Chicago, Byard would have one year remaining on his contract and could be turned to for a potential extension if both sides see the fit, as he's a leader both in the locker room and on the field.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Could Bears inquire with Kevin Byard on Mike Vrabel as head coach?