Head coach Dave Wannstedt was fired after the 1998 season, forcing the Bears to hire their second head coach in ten years. The candidates included offensive coordinators Sherman Lewis of the Green Bay Packers and Joe Pendry of the Buffalo Bills, defensive coordinators Dave McGinnis (Arizona Cardinals), Dick Jauron (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Gunther Cunningham (Kansas City Chiefs), while DC Jim Haslett (Pittsburgh Steelers) was interviewed. Minnesota Vikings OC Brian Billick and New York Jets DC Bill Belichick were also allowed to be interviewed by the team.
Head coach Dave Wannstedt was let go after the 1998 season, prompting the Bears to seek their second head coach in ten years. The candidates included Sherman Lewis of the Green Bay Packers' staff and Joe Pendry from the Buffalo Bills', as well as defensive coordinators from other teams, including Dave McGinnis, Dick Jauron, Gunther Cunningham, and Jim Haslett.