It appears that the Chicago Bears coaching search is approaching its climax. GM Ryan Pace knows he’s working against a strict timetable. Much of that due to the looming expiration of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s contract. He has to get a head coach in place who can hopefully convince the veteran assistant to sign a new deal. Yet at the same time Pace knows he can’t afford to rush such an important decision.
Thus the timing is going to be tight. Fangio’s contract expires on January 9th. This likely means the Bears will have an idea of who their guy is by that point. As of now they’ve interviewed six candidates in total including Fangio himself. The team has released little information regarding how the interviews went, so it’s been difficult to ascertain who may or may not have the early advantage.
That may have finally changed.
Chicago Bears coaching search appears to be a two-man race now
It’s important to remember that this situation is extremely fluid. Nothing is set in stone and minds can often change in an instant. Pace should know this. Nobody thought he was going to be hired as GM back in 2015 right up until it happened. At the same time it appears the 40-year old has an idea of where he wants to go for his next coach. A source reached out to me with the latest information available.
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“Bears and (Josh) McDaniels talks advancing. Pace has zeroed in on McDaniels from the start and has made him his top target and that hasn’t and won’t change. Pace will go all out and fight until the end to get his guy.”
McDaniels is offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. He’s been one of their best assistants for the better part of a decade and a key factor in helping Tom Brady extend his Hall of Fame career for so long. He also had a direct hand in the development of Jimmy Garoppolo who is now enjoying success out in San Francisco. The 41-year old coach has only had an offense ranked outside the top 15 once in 13 seasons.
McDaniels isn’t locked up yet and has competition
Pace knew much of McDaniels even before meeting for an interview. The Bears have employed his brother Ben McDaniels since 2015 on their offensive staff. They no doubt have a keen understanding of his mindset both as a coach and a leader. It’s likely they want to know whether he’s learned from his past mistakes during his first head coaching stint with the Denver Broncos in 2009 and 2010. It would seem they’re satisfied with the answers they got.
At the same time this race is far from won. The Bears are aware McDaniels is not a guarantee and Pace has a backup plan in place if he happens to go elsewhere.
“Pace is aware Josh is in high demand and won’t be upset with that. John (DeFilippo) has impressed him to the point if he misses on McDaniels he has no problems hiring John as he hit a grand slam in his interview.”
Indeed the buzz was that DeFilippo made a strong impression. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach is considered by many to be the next Sean McVay. In other words a young up-and-comer who has the leadership traits to turn a football team around. Most would actually prefer him to McDaniels. Part of that is due to McDaniels’ previous failures but also because DeFilippo has proven himself outside the Patriots umbrella.
The next 24 hours is going to be a fascinating ride.