Wannstedt Reportedly to Join Bears

The Chicago Bears are expected to sign Dallas Cowboy defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt as their new coach today, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The newspaper reported that Michael McCaskey, president of the Bears, has already made Wannstedt a contract offer.

Reached late Monday night at a Chicago-area hotel, Wannstedt said he plans to meet with McCaskey this morning.

“I have been made an offer,” Wannstedt said. “I haven’t signed anything yet. Anything further will have to come from the Bears.

“I guess something is going to happen in the morning. What time, where and how, I’m not 100% sure.”

Wannstedt is expected to be given total freedom in naming his assistants, which means it is unlikely that defensive coordinator Vince Tobin and offensive coordinator Greg Landry will be retained.

The Sun-Times, quoting a source, said Wannstedt would like to bring the Cowboys’ offensive line coach, Tony Wise, with him as offensive coordinator.

Earlier, a broadcast report from Pittsburgh, Wannstedt’s hometown, said he had already agreed to become coach of the Bears.

Television station WTAE said McCaskey, who fired Mike Ditka on Jan. 5, has had three meetings with Wannstedt, the first coming last week in Dallas.