Mike Vrabel best fit the attribute “leader of men’’ that the Bears are seeking in a head coach. That job description was so pointed, so specific that it left observers with the sense that former coach Matt Eberflus couldn’t lead men and, further, would have a difficult time leading animals, vegetables or minerals.

With Mike Vrabel locked up by New England, here's a ranking of who remains among the classification "leader of men" that seems important to Chicago decision makers.

Tony Dews was a running backs coach under Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2022, before taking over as the tight ends coach in 2023. He has been with the New York Jets ever since in a similar role, and he could return to the Patriots with Vrabel likely wanting people he has worked with to come aboard.