Report: Bears ask permission to interview Colts' Bruce Arians

Bruce Arians coached the Colts to a wild-card berth while Chuck Pagano's battled leukemia. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) The Chicago Bears have asked the

Bruce Arians coached the Colts to a wild-card berth while Chuck Pagano's battled leukemia. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have asked the Indianapolis Colts for permission to interview offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, according to a source with knowledge of the coach's situation, in a report by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

The San Diego Chargers have reportedly also shown interest in Arians, but NFL rules prohibit him from interviewing before Sunday's AFC wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens. He can interview after the game.

Arians has received wide praise for guiding the Colts to a 9-3 record and a playoff berth while head coach Chuck Pagano took a three-month leave to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. Pagano made an emotional return to the Colts last week.

Arians, 60, has been instrumental in grooming quarterback Andrew Luck during his rookie season.