Bruce Arians reflects on being passed over by Chicago Bears in 2013

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 2:00 PM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Bruce Arians reflects on being passed over by Chicago Bears in 2013
Summary

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has recounted his experience with the Chicago Bears during their head coaching search in 2013. After the Bears fired Lovie Smith, they interviewed 13 candidates, including Arians, who had just led the Colts to a 9-3 record as an interim head coach. Despite a strong interview, the Bears opted to hire Marc Trestman. Arians subsequently became the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. This decision remains a significant point of discussion among Bears fans as a coaching misstep, especially considering the different trajectories of both coaches in their respective tenures.

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By the Numbers
  • Arians was a top candidate after leading Colts to a strong record.
  • Bears fired Lovie Smith after a 10-6 season in 2012.
  • Marc Trestman was ultimately hired over Arians in January 2013.
  • Arians went on to coach the Cardinals, leading them to success.
  • The debate continues among fans about the Bears' coaching choices.
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What they're saying
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The one that got away… @iamcogs shares his thought of the biggest miss in Bears history at HC.

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