Bears to speak to Broncos OC Mike McCoy this weekend

Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery will interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy this weekend.

McCoy will also be interviewed by the Arizona Cardinals, according to a Denver Post report. The Cardinals fired coach Ken Whisenhunt on Monday about the same time Lovie Smith was fired by Emery.

Because the Broncos are in the playoffs, they can dictate when the interviews occur to avoid disruption. They're requiring that it take place in Denver on Saturday or Sunday.

McCoy has a reputation for being able to adjust to different situations while producing viable offenses. He was offensive coordinator under Josh McDaniels with the Broncos when Kyle Orton came there, and Orton had his best season as a passer that year. He also was coordinator of coach John Fox's offense last year when they beat the Bears using Tim Tebow at quarterback.

According to the Denver Post report, Emery could be accompanied by Bears chairman of the board George McCaskey and team president Ted Phillips.

Emery is slated to meet with Chicago media Tuesday to explain what he is looking for in a head coach and also to talk about his decision to fire Smith.

No other candidates are known yet, but Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, the Big Ten Coach of the Year, is being mentioned prominently because of his past ties as Patriots offensive coordinator. Emery has spoken about admiration for the "Patriot way" in the past.

Also, Bruce Arians, the Colts iterim coach during head coach Chuck Pagano's illness, is thought to be high on many lists of candidates.

Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSBears.