The Chicago Bears coaching search has managed to stay grounded in reality up to this point. Their list of interviewed candidates are all logical and attainable young coaches. It’s somewhat surprising that no crazy, out-of-the-box idea has surfaced. Well consider that run dead and buried courtesy of a wild rumor circulating the web.
By now most people have caught wind of the explosive ESPN story about the state of the New England Patriots by Seth Wickersham. It explains a deteriorating relationship between the power triangle of head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft. Everything from Brady finally starting to chaff under Belichick’s demanding style or Belichick being forced to trade former backup Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco by Kraft.
It all led to rampant speculation that 2017 could be the swan song for Belichick as head coach.
“Those interviewed describe a palpable sense in the building that this might be the last year together for this group.”
“Those interviewed describe a lingering sadness around the team, as if coaches and staff know that the end might be near.”
Some wonder what the fates may hold in store for Belichick. Will he retire or perhaps try to coach somewhere else? It’s when the latter got discussed that things took a turn for the ridiculous.
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Belichick added to the Chicago bears coaching search, believable or not
Most of the speculation centers around an easy idea. If Belichick were to leave following this playoff run, the New York Giants would pounce on him. Their coaching job is wide open. Belichick had a long, successful run there as a defensive coordinator from 1985 to 1990. This would be a perfect way to wrap up his Hall of Fame career.
It was then that Fox Sports radio host Jason Smith drop a small bombshell. New York may not be the only destination that could snag the all-time great.
If I'm the Bears, I also hold off on hiring a HC until after the Patriots season ends in case I can pry Belichick away from the Pats. Giants and Bears would have the best shot.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) January 5, 2018
Now it would be SO easy to lose one’s mind when hearing something like that. Could the Bears get arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history to run their show? The long and short answer is no. While the Bears do present an attractive position the bottom line is Belichick is a football historian. He’d only leave for a team he has deep connections to. The Giants enjoy that luxury. Even Smith’s own sources confirmed as much.
If you think Belichick's going to stay in New England, I present this: On the day the Patriots say 'We're united,' "sources" say the only job Belichick would leave the Patriots for is the Giants. Like this wasn't planned…
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) January 6, 2018
From @alexmarvez w/us on @foxsportsradio – 'In November a source told me "watch out for Belichick to the Giants." He's frustrated in New England.' Whoa….
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) January 6, 2018
The point is there is almost no way the Bears could pry Belichick out of New England. Not unless they paid him a ridiculous contract and gave him total control of the franchise. Would he honestly be willing to work under Ryan Pace? There’s no way. So perhaps it’s best not to dwell on such a fantasy. It would be a dream come true but this sort of dream is so far out there and that there’s no point even considering it.
