The Bears have reportedly found their new GM in Ryan Poles, chief executive director of player personnel. But are they also looking at their next head coach?
It is no coincidence that Bear allegedly made sure Poles and Caldwell were in the building at the same time. A possible pairing between Poles, 36, and Caldwell, 67, would also follow the same "young GM, experienced coach" formula used in 2015 when they hired Ryan Pace and John Fox.
If Caldwell is hired, it would be his third time leading an NFL team. He was the head coach for the Colts from 2009–2011, then for the Lions from 2014–2017. In his seven seasons leading those teams, he had a 62–50 record, and five winning seasons versus only two losing seasons. Caldwell's teams also had a 2–4 record in the playoffs, losing three times in their first game. Their 2009 Colts won the AFC Championship, but lost to Drew Brees and the Saints in the Super Bowl. Although Caldwell has two Super Bowl rings. He won one as offensive coordinator for the 2012 Ravens and another as assistant head coach for the 2006 Colts, who beat Lavi Smith's Bears.
In addition to Caldwell, Colts defensive coordinator Matt Aberfluss and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn have been linked to the Bears as head coach finalists. Time will tell whether the Poles will add new names to the team's head coaching list to broaden their search.