The Chicago Bears plan to interview former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for their head-coaching job Thursday, a league source confirmed Tuesday. ESPN first reported the news. The outlet and others also reported Tuesday that the Dallas Cowboys denied the Bears’ request to interview Dallas coach Mike McCarthy for the vacant coaching job.

Here is an in-depth look at Mike McCarthy, who could be an option for the Bears if he leaves the Dallas Cowboys.

Chicago requested permission to interview Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys have denied the Bears' request to interview him.

The Chicago Bears are off and running in their search for a new head coach, and another candidate has entered the mix. The Bears sought permission to interview Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and are awaiting Dallas' response to the request,

The Bears will have to wait to talk to Mike McCarthy — if they talk to him at all.

Tuesday’s decision from Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys may tell us the intention of the front office with Mike McCarthy.

The Bears have been studying potential coaching hires for two months. On Monday, they announced their interest in the Cowboys HC.

According to ESPN and other outlets, the Chicago Bears have some interest in Mike McCarthy as a candidate to become their next head coach. The Bears have reached out to the Dallas Cowboys for permission to interview McCarthy.

If McCarthy reaches the market, the Saints could emerge as an option. While the Bears would conceivably be back in play, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicates McCarthy could have some interest in the New Orleans position. McCarthy has a past with the organization, having been the Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2000-04.

The Dallas Cowboys blocked the Chicago Bears from interviewing Mike McCarthy this week, but their indecision could end up costing them their most valuable piece on the coaching staff.

While there's mutual interest in McCarthy's return to the Star, here are four factors that could potentially lead him to wanting out of Dallas and to explore other opportunities. McCarthy's tenure in Dallas has been marked by regular season success but consistently disappointing playoff performances.