Best Kevin Lapka Podcasts (2025)

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Why Kyle Monangai Could Be the Bears’ STEAL of the Draft 36:08

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2d ago36:08

36:08

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro dive into a surprise interview with rookie running back Kyle Monangai, who impressed with his confidence, humility, and mindset. The crew reacts to his thoughtful answers about being a seventh-round pick, handling Eric Bieniemy’s intense coaching, and competing for a spo…

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Matt Eberflus Responds & Players Who MUST Step Up 46:58

4d ago46:58

46:58

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to Matt Eberflus’ response to the Caleb Williams excerpts. The rookie class visits Wrigley, and the crew breaks down which players—including Tyler Scott—have the most to prove at training camp.By Chicago Sports Network

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Ben Johnson to Rework Offense and His Rising Expectations for Rookie Availability 30:54

9d ago30:54

30:54

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down everything they saw during Bears OTAs and mandatory minicamp. From Ben Johnson's demanding tone and creative vision to Caleb Williams’ learning curve and the ongoing battle for trust and reps for the new additions to the team, the crew unpacks where this team stands heading into training cam…

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Jaire Out in Green Bay, Chubb to Texans & Bears Coaches Take Control 53:32

12d ago53:32

53:32

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the impact of the Packers releasing All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander and why it matters for Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense. The crew also dives into Nick Chubb signing elsewhere, what that says about the Bears’ confidence in their current running back room, and the coaching culture Ben …

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Minicamp Wrap-Up: Trick Plays, Odunze's Growth, & Battles Taking Shape 18:10

16d ago18:10

18:10

The Bears have officially wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp, and Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro were there to see it all. They break down how the team progressed over the week, what stood out from Ben Johnson’s leadership style, and how the new coaching staff is already putting its stamp on the roster. From trick plays to intense comp…

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Minicamp Recap Day 2: Brisker Speaks on Last Season's Concussion and New Leaders Emerging 9:15

17d ago9:15

9:15

Alex Shapiro is joined by ABC7 and ESPN 1000’s Dionne Miller to break down Day 2 of Bears mandatory minicamp. The duo discusses Jaquan Brisker’s emotional return and maturity after battling a vestibular concussion, how the offense is starting to find its rhythm with Caleb Williams, and the standout performances of Olamide Zaccheaus and Kiran Amegad…

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Minicamp Recap: Offensive Updates, Key Absences & Press Conference Notes 9:56

18d ago9:56

9:56

The Bears are back at Halas Hall for Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, and The Charter is on site to break it all down. Alex Shapiro welcomes new Chicago Tribune Bears beat reporter Sean Hammond to discuss the top takeaways from a windy first day — including notable player absences, offensive line shuffling, and Ben Johnson’s early impressions as head c…

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Bears Report for Minicamp as Lions Lose Another Key Piece 42:11

18d ago42:11

42:11

On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro gear up for a pivotal week at Bears mandatory minicamp. But first, they break down the Chicago Fire’s newly announced stadium project at The 78. Then it’s all football: Lions Center Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement and its ripple effects across the NFC North, position ba…

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Caleb Speaks, O-Line Taking Shape, and Dennis Allen's Defense 41:37

23d ago41:37

41:37

Caleb Williams speaks—and silences the noise. On this episode of The Charter, Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the Bears rookie QB’s headline-grabbing press conference and how he showed maturity, self-awareness, and leadership. The crew also dives into Ben Johnson’s emphasis on body language and pre-snap discipline, Case Ke…

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100 Days to NFL Kickoff | Caleb Williams Stat Projections & Bears Playoff Chances 33:29

25d ago33:29

33:29

The countdown is on — we’re officially 100 days away from NFL kickoff! Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor mark the occasion by playing a game of “On a Scale of 1 to 100” covering everything from Caleb Williams’ rookie projections to playoff odds, Pro Bowl candidates on both sides of the ball, and sack totals. Will Ben Johnson win Coach …

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Ben Johnson Sets Tone at OTAs | Early Takeaways from New-Look Offense 35:37

30d ago35:37

35:37

The Bears’ preseason schedule is set—and so are joint practices with the Dolphins and Bills. Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down what that means for fans, young players, and position battles. The crew also shares their biggest takeaways from the first open OTA session, including Caleb Williams’ progress, Ben Johnson’s intense …

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Bears Secure Joe Thuney Extension as OTAs Prepare to Kick Off 45:04

1M ago45:04

45:04

The Bears kick off OTAs by locking in All-Pro guard Joe Thuney through 2027. Ruthie, Alex, and Clay break down the impact of the deal, preview position battles, and dive into what they want to hear from Caleb Williams when he addresses the media.By Chicago Sports Network

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Breaking Down the Road Ahead: Bears' 2025 Schedule Reaction 36:05

1M ago36:05

36:05

The Bears' 2025 schedule is finally here—and the Charter crew is ready to break it all down. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor react to team social media rollout videos, including the Ravens’ Severance homage. Then it’s time to dive into the schedule itself: what the brutal road stretch means for the team, which matchups look most winn…

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Rookie Minicamp Standouts and First Impressions 47:57

1M ago47:57

47:57

What did we learn from Bears rookie minicamp? Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor recap the biggest takeaways from the weekend, including standout showings from second-round picks Ozzy Trapilo and Luther Burden III, the tone set by Eric Bieniemy and the coaching staff, and how Ben Johnson is already changing the culture. They also dive i…

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Who Has the Most to Prove at Bears Rookie Minicamp? 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

Rookie Minicamp is here, and The Charter team is ready to hit Halas Hall. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor preview what to watch for as Bears rookies take the field for the first time. Clay shares what his own rookie minicamp with the Eagles was really like, including learning a brand-new playbook on the fly, catching lasers from Mich…

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Coaching Points: What We Learned About Luther Burden III & Shemar Turner 45:29

2M ago45:29

45:29

With the Bears’ rookie minicamp around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into exclusive interviews with the coaches who know the Bears’ top draft picks best. Clay sits down with Mizzou wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler to unpack the real story on Luther Burden III—his character, versatility, and how he’ll thrive in Ben…

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Bears Roster Battles Begin: Trapilo vs. Jones, Loveland’s Path, and RB Rumors 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

The NFL Draft may be over, but the real action is just getting started. With Ruthie out, Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor take the reins to break down how the Bears’ newest draft picks fit into the 2025 roster. Is Ozzy Trapilo a real threat to Braxton Jones at left tackle? Will Colston Loveland crack the starting lineup right away? And is running back …

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Ben Johnson’s Blueprint: Inside the Bears 2025 Draft Class 51:35

2M ago51:35

51:35

The Bears added eight new players in the 2025 NFL Draft—and The Charter crew is here to break it all down. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into every pick, headlined by Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall. Was Loveland the right fit over Tyler Warren? The crew debates his upside and how he pairs with Cole Kmet …

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2025 Beat Writer Mock Draft 53:34

2M ago53:34

53:34

On this special edition of The Charter, we spoke to a beat writer covering every team that drafts in front of the Chicago. We go team by team to put together a mock draft and then we make the selection for the Bears. Were there any surprises? Who is left for the Bears? We take you inside our war room and play out who the Bears will leave the first …

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Respect Coin: Wagering on the NFL Draft with Alex Shapiro 51:10

2M ago51:10

51:10

On this episode of the Respect Coin podcast, Michael Bolling is joined by the co-host of The Charter, Alex Shapiro! They look at the best bets and markets to explore if you're looking to bet on the 2025 NFL Draft. They explore the best value of where Ashton Jeanty will be drafted, the best bets in the Top 5, and players that can creep into the Top …

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ESPN's and Former GM Mike Tannenbaum on NFL draft week preparations 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro are joined by ESPN Insider and former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. They discuss how NFL teams approach draft week, weighing the differences between roster needs vs best player available, and how the framework for draft day trades come together. Mike also touches on the communication needed betw…

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Top 30 Visits and Skill Players to Target 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro bring you this episode of The Charter podcast. We explain the NFL Top 30 visits and Clay's first hand experience with some pre-draft visits of his own. Also, after analyzing how the Bears will address the offensive and defensive lines all off season, we highlight key skill position players for the Bear…

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Kyler Gordon extension and our 4-pick player pool draft 53:41

2M ago53:41

53:41

On the latest episode of The Charter Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor give their thoughts on the extension of Kyler Gordon. The Bears made Gordon the highest paid slot corner in the NFL. They predict how he fits in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme, the message it sends the locker room, and who is next in line for new money. Then, Clay …

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Caleb Williams and Jaylon Johnson are embracing all challenges from new coaching staff 45:14

2M ago45:14

45:14

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor tackle this episode of The Carter podcast! They react to the quotes from Halas Hall coming from players like Jaylon Johnson, Tremaine Edmunds, and Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson seems to be installing confidence with his coaching style and getting buy-in from established veterans. Can this energy and focu…

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Bears that need to make an impression early in offseason workouts 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. As the Bears are entering the first phase of the NFL offseason program, Clay walks us through the benefit of getting an early start thanks to having a new head coach. Also, the kind of habits and impressions that can be established not only by youn…

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Answering Your Voicemail and Bears Setting Sights on Arlington Heights 38:06

3M ago38:06

38:06

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back together on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. They react to the latest from the NFL annual league meetings including the vote to ban the tush push stays alive. We also talk about the comments made by Bears President Kevin Warren and Chairman George McCaskey about the future of the tea…

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Teams Vote on Rule Changes at Annual League Meetings 23:44

3M ago23:44

23:44

Ruthie Polinsky is back and she joins Alex Shapiro on the latest episode of The Charter podcast. They bring you the latest from the NFL Annual League Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. The annual coaches photo dropped but looks a bit different from years past. We also debate about the potential banning of the tush push, expanded replays, playoff seed…

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What We Learned from College Pro Days 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

On the latest episode of The Charter, Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro bring you the latest updates from several potential draft targets attending their school pro day. We talk about Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Campbell's arm growth. SMU's Brashard Smith and Texas' Jaydon Blue chances of being Chicago draft picks. Also the Bears attendees at …

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Buy or Sell: Expectations for the new look Chicago Bears 39:41

3M ago39:41

39:41

Join Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor on the latest episode of The Charter! Thirty days from the NFL draft, they discuss the latest news, including the signing of special teams ace Nick McCloud. Plus, a fun "buy or sell" segment tackles bold predictions for the upcoming season: Will Caleb Williams throw for 4,000 yards? Will DJ Moore and Rome Odunze ea…

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With the 10th overall pick the Chicago Bears select... 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro narrow down our bracket for the Bears 10th overall selection. With all the additions in free agency, the Bears have opened up paths to multiple options. Tune in to the latest episode of The Charter podcast and see who will be crowned the champion!By Chicago Sports Network

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Chicago Bears' 10th Pick Bracket Challenge 42:31

3M ago42:31

42:31

In this episode of the Charter Podcast, we dive into a March Madness-style bracket challenge to predict the Chicago Bears' 10th overall draft pick. Ruthie Polinsky, joined by Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro, debates the top 16 prospects, weighing team needs against player talent. From offensive line battles to the intriguing potential of a dual-threat…

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New Bears' additions already impacting Halas Hall culture 35:10

3M ago35:10

35:10

Join Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro as they recap an revitalizing day at Halas Hall! On this episode we react to the introductory press conference of the Chicago Bears' recent free agency signings Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson. Hear our firsthand impressions of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's pressers, revealing a clear …

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Bears make WAVES to kickoff NFL free agent negotiation period 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

On the latest edition of The Charter Podcast, we dive deep into the Chicago Bears' explosive start to free agency! Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor break down the signings of Drew Dalman, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett, analyzing how these additions completely reshape the Bears' offensive and defensive lines. We discuss the implica…

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Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame explains how the Bears landed two key O-linemen 34:10

4M ago34:10

34:10

On the latest Charter Podcast, Ruthie, Alex, and Clay break down the Chicago Bears' huge offensive line additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, with insights from Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame. We get the national perspective on the Bears' offseason moves, the Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson pairing, and the impact on the upcoming NFL draft. Pl…

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And The 2025 NFL Combine Award Goes To... 36:45

4M ago36:45

36:45

This week on the Charter Podcast, we're breaking down the 2025 NFL Combine! Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro hand out awards for standout performances, surprises, and players that shot up draft boards. We discuss impressive athleticism, leadership qualities, and evaluate top draft prospects. Check out our award for best defensive and …

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Ryan Poles & Ben Johnson Reveal Offseason Plans from the NFL Combine 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

Join Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor for a new edition of The Charter Podcast. The guys bring you their takeaways from Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's media availability yesterday. We break down Poles' assessment of Ben Johnson's football IQ, his approach to free agency, and his plans to improve the Bears' roster. We also explore Johnson's vision for the…

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Preparing for the NFL Draft Combine 30:48

4M ago30:48

30:48

Ruthie Polinsky and Alex Shapiro are back along with Clay Harbor as they prepare for the Bears' annual migration to Indianapolis got the NFL Draft Combine. Clay brings us an inside look at the process for the draft hopefuls. Everything from the intense process it takes to be fit both physically and mentally and the real impact that comes from a pro…

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The $280M question: How Will the Bears Spend BIG? 25:09

4M ago25:09

25:09

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back on The Charter podcast and with the NFL Combine and free agency on the horizon, we discuss the massive salary cap increase and its implications for the Bears, who are already sitting pretty with top-five cap space. We debate whether this means bigger paydays for individual stars or a broader d…

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Player Perspective: The NFL Offseason 30:08

4M ago30:08

30:08

Alex Shapiro is joined by Clay Harbor for an inside look at what the NFL offseason looks like! On this episode of The Charter Podcast, Clay shares his insight on draft prep, the rookie wall, navigating free agency, and the importance of offseason training. He highlights the balance between recovery, rigorous training, and personal time.…

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Free Agents and Elite Pass Rushers to Target 29:13

4M ago29:13

29:13

Dive into the Chicago Bears offseason with Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor. This Charter Podcast episode analyzes potential free agent targets from the Super Bowl, including offensive linemen Mekhi Becton and Trey Smith, and explores the high-stakes decision of trading for elite defensive players like Micah Parsons. We also discuss t…

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Can the Bears follow the blueprint the Eagles laid on their way to a Super Bowl win? 36:40

4M ago36:40

36:40

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro react to the fallout from Super Bowl LIX. Clay joins us from Philly and lays out the reaction from the city. They outline the dominance from the Eagles front four, the offensive line, and the MVP performance from Jalen Hurts. How does the loss affect Patrick Mahomes’ case for being the GOAT? And how fa…

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Drafting Bears players to Super Bowl LIX 35:16

4M ago35:16

35:16

After recording this episode of The Charter, we received news about the passing of Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey. Ruthie, Alex, and Clay quickly address. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor are back to talk about Super Bowl LIX. We draft current members of the Bears roster to add to the Chiefs and Eagles ahead of the big game. A …

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Eric Bieniemy joins the Bears coaching staff and Myles Garrett wants out 26:35

5M ago26:35

26:35

Ruthie Polinsky is back with Clay Harbor and Alex Shapiro. The crew talks about more key additions to the Bears coaching staff. Eric Bieniemy was once a highly touted offensive mind and head coaching candidate in the past. What does his career arc say about his coaching staff. Dan Roushar brings his experience as the offensive line coach in hopes o…

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Senior Bowl targets for GM Ryan Poles and coaching staff additions 39:28

5M ago39:28

39:28

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor give us their final takeaways from the Senior Bowl. They talk about the players who boosted their draft stock and key reports on lineman like North Dakota State's Grey Zabel and North Carolina's Willie Lampkin. Also skill position standouts in Georgia's Trevor Etienne and TCU's Jack Bech. Plus, the Bears added two more …

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Senior Bowl: Day 1 recap and coordinator hire reactions 46:12

5M ago46:12

46:12

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor come to you live from Mobile, Alabama where they are covering the 2025 Senior Bowl. They bring you their reactions to the first practice of the week including notable standouts, what the Senior Bowl means to smaller school attendees, and what the guys are looking forward to seeing at these practices. They're also on the…

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Ben Johnson gets introduced at Halas Hall 32:03

5M ago32:03

32:03

Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor discuss Ben Johnson's introductory press conference at Halas Hall. They analyze his leadership style, his plans for building a custom offense around Caleb Williams, and his vision for establishing a culture of accountability. Plus, they discuss the Bears' defensive needs and the impact of a new defensive coordinator.…

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Ben Johnson is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

The Chicago Bears made a HUGE move, hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach! Alex Shapiro breaks down Johnson's impressive offensive success with the Lions, the importance of quarterback Caleb Williams, and the challenges ahead. Clay Harbor joins us to discuss the potential and pitfalls of this exciting hire, and whether the Bears can capitalize…

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Caleb Williams takes the bait and Ben Johnson's possible front office shake up 33:34

5M ago33:34

33:34

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor discuss Caleb Williams' appearance on the St. Brown Podcast. We react to Caleb's thoughts on feeling pressure and his incident with a prankster. We also discuss more from the teams connection with Mike McCarthy and can a Ben Johnson hire come with a shakeup in the front office if he calls for it? We fi…

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Is Mike McCarthy the answer for the Bears? 44:15

5M ago44:15

44:15

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro break down the latest in the NFL coaching search! We analyze the Chicago Bears' missed opportunity with Mike Vrabel, the qualities Mike McCarthy can bring to the team, and the intense competition for top candidates. Plus, they discuss Ben Johnson, Thomas Brown, and Ron Rivera, exploring the complexitie…

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17 Candidates & Counting and Resume Review: Pete Carroll 51:54

5M ago51:54

51:54

Join Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor for a deep dive into the Chicago Bears' coaching search. Following a highly anticipated (and somewhat controversial) press conference at Halas Hall, the crew dissect the team's direction, break down the leadership dynamics, and the growing list of coaching candidates. Alex Shapiro also brings us h…