The Bears’ head coaching search seems to be heating up — but there’s one option that’s already out of the question.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dallas Cowboys denied Chicago’s request to interview Mike McCarthy, who is still technically their head coach. McCarthy's contract expires on January 14, but if the Cowboys don’t extend him by next Tuesday,

The Chicago Bears plan to interview former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for their head-coaching job Thursday, a league source confirmed Tuesday. ESPN first reported the news. The outlet and others also reported Tuesday that the Dallas Cowboys denied the Bears’ request to interview Dallas coach Mike McCarthy for the vacant coaching job.