Just before the calendar flipped, the Chicago Bears parted ways with Lovie Smith after nine seasons as the head coach. One more name has surfaced as a candidate to be the next leader of the Bears with Jason La Canfora reporting the Bears have received permission to interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Bevell is a familiar face for the Bears but on the opposite sideline. The second-year offensive coordinator for the Seahawks spent five years in the same position for the Minnesota Vikings and six seasons as a quarterbacks coach and assistant with the Green Bay Packers.

Bevell has developed the Seahawks offense with rookie sensation Russell Wilson under center. He pushes the number of reported coaching candidates for the Bears to half a dozen, most notably Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

Smith's near decade long tenure with the Bears included three playoff appearances and one NFC Championship.