With the presumed favorite scheduled to interview Wednesday, the Bears began in-person talks with two candidates for their vacant GM job Tuesday.
Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson and Texans director of pro personnel Brian Gaine interviewed at Halas Hall, the team confirmed.
Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard, whose 12-year stint with the Bears has led many to dub him the favorite, is scheduled for Wednesday.
Dawson, a former star receiver at Notre Dame, has worked for the Titans since 2007. He was one of three names suggested by the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which links minority candidates with NFL openings. He also satisfies the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview minority candidates for coach and GM openings.
Gaine just finished his season as the Texans’ director of pro personnel after spending six seasons with the Dolphins, the last two as their assistant GM. He’s worked for the Cowboys (2005-07) and Jets (1999-2004).
Gaine worked in Miami and Dallas at the same time as Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who the Bears will interview Saturday.
Shanahan to talk
Mike Shanahan is set to interview with the Bears once they choose a GM, a source close to the longtime Broncos coach told the Sun-Times. Shanahan drafted Jay Cutler in 2006 and last month called him a “franchise-type” quarterback.
Trestman and Lovie?
A source confirmed that former Bears coach Marc Trestman interviewed with Lovie Smith for the Buccaneers offensive coordinator opening. Trestman’s ties extend past Josh McCown; he connected with fellow quarterback Mike Glennon during workouts before the 2013 draft.
The Jaguars, in need of a coordinator, are also interested.
Adam Jahns contributed to this report
Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
Twitter: @patrickfinley
