The Bears are casting a wide net in their search for the 18th head coach in franchise history as a critical offseason for the team gets underway. One potential candidate will have to be taken off the interview list — at least for the next several days.

The Dallas Cowboys have denied the Chicago Bears' request to interview head coach Mike McCarthy, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move sends a strong message as to what their plans for him and their head-coaching position might be.

The Cowboys have denied the Bears' request to interview MIke McCarthy for their head coaching vacancy. What comes next?

Chicago Bears have sought permission to interview Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and are awaiting a response from Dallas, sources tell me and @toddarcher. If the Cowboys don't allow permission this week, the Bears could interview McCarthy after his exclusive negotiating window... pic.twitter.com/zoS7vHO5mF

The Dallas Cowboys denied the Bears' request to interview McCarthy for their job opening on Tuesday afternoon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. ESPN Source: The Dallas Cowboys denied permission to the Chicago Bears to interview their head coach Mike McCarthy.

After the Cowboys defeated/fell to the Washington Commanders in the final game of a disappointing season, all eyes turned to McCarthy's future.

Via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Cowboys have denied the Bears’ request for permission to interview McCarthy.

On Monday, the Bears did log that interview request, and it’s typical that a team will reply quickly. Because McCarthy’s contract is not up quite year, he is not free to chat with the Chicagoans at his leisure–he needs the team’s permission.

While veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets remains unclear, it sounds like the team won't be bringing in one of his former

As questions swirl around McCarthy's future in Dallas, the Cowboys have denied the Bears' request to interview him.