BREAKING NEWS: Report: Bears to Interview ISU’s Matt Campbell for HC Job Amid Carroll Rumors.giang

The Chicago Bears are reportedly delving into the collegiate ranks as they search for their next head coach.

Per The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell is expected to interview for the Bears’ head coaching job. Campbell, who just concluded his ninth season with the Cyclones, signed an eight-year contract extension with Iowa State in December.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the first round of interviews for all candidates will be virtual.

Since Campbell took over in 2016, Iowa State has had just two losing seasons, one of which came during his first year with the team. He’s led the Cyclones to seven bowl games and two Big 12 championship appearances.

This season, Iowa State had its first 10-win season in program history. The Cyclones made the Big 12 title game and were a win away from the College Football Playoff, but they lost to Arizona State. They won the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Miami to finish the year 11-3.

Campbell’s success has led to interest from both college programs and NFL teams over the years. Perhaps most notably, Campbell reportedly received an eight-year, $68.5 million offer from the Detroit Lions in 2021, which he turned down to return to Iowa State. He also received an interview request from the New York Jets in 2018, but he declined.

According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, Campbell is considered to be a candidate for the Jets during their coaching search this year.

The Bears currently have interviews scheduled with former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Chicago announced on social media Wednesday that it had completed an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to cast a wide net when it comes to this year’s coaching search, and so far, he’s done that.