None of the other teams that have head coach openings seem to be as interested in Mike McCarthy as the Chicago Bears.

Mike McCarthy has a ton of the right experience that it would take to lead the Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams into the future.

McCarthy was the second in-person interview conducted by the Bears, with former Commanders coach Ron Rivera also getting a look from the Chicago front office. Chicago has met virtually with Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Pete Carroll, and Mike Kafka ...

So “Big Mike” lieutenant Brian Schottenheimer is the new Cowboys coach … while McCarthy is left sitting out a year until he gets another crack on the NFL Coach Carousel.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed the current head coach search situations around the league, including the Bears. For Chicago, it certainly appears to be a two-way race between Detroit Lions offense coordinator Ben Johnson and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

Mike McCarthy has decided that he will not coach in the NFL in the 2025 season, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, as the former Cowboys and Packers head coach has decided to instead focus on the 2026 hiring cycle.

The 12th-winningest head coach in NFL history will reportedly spend 2025 focusing on the 2026 hiring cycle. It’s a tactic he’s used before.

Mike McCarthy reportedly will not be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday

"Former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and will not coach in the NFL this season, sources tell me and @RapSheet," Pelissero wrote on X. "McCarthy, who has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, is expected to be a strong candidate a year from now."

So what was the sticking point as the Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and coach Mike McCarthy mutually agreed to part ways?

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker issued a statement Thursday, denying allegations made against him for alleged sexual misconduct while visiting several massage studios. The NFL plans to look into the matter.