Filling the Vacancies

From the Trib:

As the interview blitz of head-coaching candidates winds to a close, Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera will meet Sunday with Steelers executives regarding the vacancy created by the resignation of Bill Cowher.

Rivera has interviewed over the previous week with the Cardinals, the Falcons and the Dolphins. League rules allow interviews only through this weekend with candidates whose teams are still alive in the playoffs, and Rivera could not be offered a job until the Bears' season is over. In addition, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner will interview with the Dolphins. On Friday, former Bear and Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary reportedly met with Falcons personnel.

I've never been fully satisfied by the way this works. It feels like candidates like Rivera are punished for their success, being asked to either divide their loyalties and attention at the most important time of the year or sit out the interviews during the playoffs.

In any case, however the Bears playoff run works out, I really don't Rivera to leave.

But the Steelers is a plush gig. Couldn't blame him taking it if it were offered.