CHICAGO -- The Bears are continuing to dip into the college ranks as they explore options to find the franchise's 19th head coach.
Tennessee State coach Eddie George will interview in person with the Bears on Sunday, a league source told ESPN. George, whose career as an NFL running back spanned nine seasons, is the third candidate to have an in-person interview with Chicago, which has conducted 16 first-round interviews thus far.
Former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and former Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera interviewed in person with the Bears within the past week.
George, 51, was hired by Tennessee State in 2021 and has a 24-22 record over four seasons in Nashville. In 2024, he led the Tigers to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the FCS playoffs. George was subsequently named the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year.
The Bears got to know George during the 2023 offseason when he was brought on as a Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching fellow for a 15-day stretch during OTAs.
George was the NFL's rookie of the year in 1996 and made 128 consecutive starts at running back from 1996 to 2003. He appeared in nine playoff games and is only the second NFL running back to rush for 10,000 yards while never missing a start, joining Jim Brown.
The Bears' busy weekend of interviews continues after the team met virtually with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Friday, followed by Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Saturday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears inquired recently about Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, whom Chicago hoped to speak with and potentially explore a trade for only to have its request rebuffed, according to league sources.
At the conclusion of George's Sunday interview, the Bears will be in compliance with the NFL's Rooney Rule, which requires teams to conduct two in-person interviews with external diverse -- minority and/or female -- candidates for any head coaching position.
On Monday, the Bears can begin conducting in-person interviews with head coaching candidates who are currently employed by NFL teams. Chicago interviewed both Lions coordinators -- OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn -- during Detroit's first-round bye last weekend and will now be able to speak with both in person after the Lions' 45-31 loss in the divisional playoff round.