Bears reportedly request permission from Cowboys to interview head coach Mike McCarthy

The search for a new Chicago Bears coach is on in earnest with the conclusion of the NFL's regular season, and it reportedly includes a surprising new candidate.

Per ESPN, the Bears have requested permission from the Dallas Cowboys to interview their head coach Mike McCarthy. Per the report, the Bears are now awaiting a response from the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones.

McCarthy is under contract through Jan. 14, when his five-year deal with the Cowboys expires. Until then, the Cowboys have exclusive negotiating rights with him. If the Cowboys don't re-sign McCarthy by then and they don't grant the Bears' request in the meantime, Chicago would have the option of interviewing McCarthy as a free…