The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a crucial search for their next head coach, which begins this week as candidates are available to interview. There have been plenty of prominent names linked to Chicago, including most notably Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, but a new name has joined the fray.

According to Michael Silver, the Bears have expressed interest in Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph for their head coach vacancy. Joseph has led a dominant Broncos defense that set the franchise record in sacks (57) and most recently pitched a shutout against the Kansas City Chiefs, who were resting their starters.

Joseph certainly appears to fit that “leader of men” type that the Bears are looking for in their next head coach, and he comes with previous head coaching experience. Joseph served as Denver’s head coach from 2017-18, but his first tenure failed with a 11-21 record.

One of the things that has stood out during the early stages of this Bears coaching search is the sheer amount of defensive-minded head coaches that have been linked to Chicago. Whether it’s a proven commodity like Mike Vrabel, inexperienced by promising types like Aaron Glenn and Anthony Weaver or experienced candidates like Brian Flores and Joseph.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears are interested in Broncos DC Vance Joseph for head coach