The Chicago Bears have reached out to at least 13 general manager and 10 coaching candidates for interviews. As they go through the process, we’re looking at each of the prospects.

Joe Schoen will interview for the general manager position Sunday.

<mark class=”hl_orange”>Joe Schoen</mark>

Age: 42

Title: Buffalo Bills assistant general manager

Experience

Schoen has been in his current role for the past five seasons, working closely with GM Brandon Beane. Prior to arriving in Buffalo, he climbed the ladder in the Miami Dolphins scouting department, spending the final three of his eight seasons in that organization as director of player personnel. He also spent extended time in the scouting department of the Carolina Panthers.

You should know

Schoen’s entry into the NFL came through the Panthers ticket office shortly after he graduated college. His biggest break came in 2008 when Bill Parcells, then the executive vice president of football operations with the Dolphins, hired Schoen into the scouting department in Miami.

Chicago connection

Schoen grew up just a couple hours outside Chicago in Elkhart, Ind., where he attended Memorial High School. He went on to play Division III college football at DePauw University, where he was an all-conference receiver.

What’s been said

“He’s going to be a GM. The thing about him is that he’s smart enough to know that he’s still learning and growing, and he’s trying to get stronger at his craft. … Instead of just rushing to the seat and then trying to figure it out, Joe’s that guy who wants to have all the answers to the test before he goes and sits down. Very few people are like that. There’s so many people in this business that are just trying to get into that head coach seat, that GM seat, and maybe they’re not ready for it. I have no doubt he’s going to be ready for it. He’s a great communicator. He understands people. You’re not going to outwork him.” — Bills GM Brandon Beane (to The Athletic in 2019)