Bruce Arians Expected to Interview with Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears pulled a fast one on Black Monday and fired their head coach Lovie Smith. But while they ridded themselves of a guy that they feel has been holding them down, they are definitely taking their time in replacing him. There have been plenty of names linked to the Bears job, but two names have now surfaced that could lead the pack, as Indianapolis Colts coordinator Bruce Arians and Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly are expected to interview with Chicago.

In Arians’ case, many expected him to get serious head coaching attention after what he did in filling in for Chuck Pagano when he was battling leukemia. Arians helped lead the Colts to the playoffs and miraculously held the team together during trying times. He was also an important piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, and their struggles this season without him have been notable and only make him look more valuable.

Arians says that while he loves his job in Indianapolis, he’s got to listen to other offers.

“I have to listen,” Arians said.  “I never thought this would happen.  I have a great job, so it’s going to have to be a perfect fit for me to leave. . . .  It would be hard to leave . . . [but] you always want to win one of these Super Bowls on your own.”

With what Arians did with both Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck, Chicago is hoping that should he accept the job, he can do the same for Jay Cutler.

**UPDATE**

8:00am — The Chicago Bears are reportedly not interested in Brian Kelly, per a report from PFT.com