CHICAGO — The Bears are continuing to delve deeper into the college ranks to explore options in the search for the franchise's 19th head coach.

A league source told ESPN that Tennessee State head coach Eddie George will interview the Bears in person on Sunday. George, whose career as an NFL running back spans nine seasons, is the third candidate to interview with Chicago, which has held 16 first-round interviews to date.

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and former Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera interviewed with the Bears in person last week.

George, 51, was hired by Tennessee State in 2021 and compiled a 24-22 record in four seasons in Nashville. In 2024, he led the Tigers to a 9-4 record and a berth in the FCS playoffs. George was subsequently named the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year.

The Bears got to know George during the 2023 offseason when he was named a Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow for 15 days during OTAs.

George was the 1996 NFL Rookie of the Year and made 128 consecutive starts at running back from 1996 to 2003. He appeared in nine postseason games and was the second NFL running back, joining Jim Brown, to rush for 10,000 yards without ever missing a game.

The Bears met virtually with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Friday before meeting with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Fernando on Saturday. The Bears' busy weekend of interviews continues as Lores met virtually with Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Sternavich.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears recently inquired about Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Chicago wants to talk to him and potentially explore a trade, league sources said. But according to league sources, the Bears' request was denied.

By the end of George's interview Sunday, the Bears will be subject to the NFL's Rooney Rule, which requires teams to conduct two in-person interviews with outside diverse candidates (minorities and/or women) for any head coaching position. interview.

On Monday, the Bears can begin in-person interviews with head coaching candidates currently employed by NFL teams. Chicago interviewed two Lions coordinators -- OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn -- last weekend during Detroit's first-round bye and can now speak with them in person after the Lions lost 45-31 in the divisional playoffs. Two Lions coordinators talk.