INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been given permission to interview with the Chicago Bears for their head coaching job.

The Colts said they granted permission Thursday. It remains unclear when the meeting will take place because teams cannot interview coaches whose teams are still in the playoffs.

The Bears are trying to replace Lovie Smith, who was fired Monday. They're believed to be looking for someone who can jump-start an offense that has repeatedly struggled to be consistent.

Arians has never been an NFL head coach but he went 9-3 while filling in for coach Chuck Pagano. The San Diego Chargers also are reportedly interested in Arians, but the Colts have not confirmed that they've received a request.