NFL insider reveals early candidates for Bears head coach job

The Chicago Bears will be looking for a new head coach for the second time in five years after firing Matt Eberflus on Friday. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams on the roster, it's expected to be a coveted opening for aspiring head coaches and former head coaches this offseason.

During NFL Game Day on Sunday morning, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that president Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles, who will be retained, will conduct a wide-ranging search for their next head coach. They'll explore all the top candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator -- and Williams' former quarterbacks coach at USC -- Kliff Kingsbury.

Rapoport also noted interim head coach Thomas Brown should get a serious look for the permanent role, and it sounds like these final five games of the season will be a big audition for him.

This is arguably the most important head coach hiring in this franchise's history given the young talent at quarterback with Williams, as well as a roster full of playmakers and an overall roster that was in playoff contention before the wheels fell off the bus after the bye week.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL insider reveals early candidates for Bears head coach job