BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The Chicago Bears fired Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace on Monday, ending two eras in their history.
Pace’s after seven season, and Nagy’s after four seasons.
Then the press conference heard ’round the world happened.
But then some cool news leaked out on candidates the Bears will interview for their GM and HC positions, led by Bill Polian.
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Lots of names have leaked since, including Rick Smith, Ed Dodds, Morocco Brown and Omar Khan on the GM side. And Nathaniel Hackett, Brian Daboll, Brian Flores and Byron Leftwich on the HC side.
It figures to be a wild several weeks.
For now, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
I don't think Fields should have say per se, but if the Bears have similar "grades" on a couple candidates, having them meet with Fields might not be a bad idea.
But as such, I don't think Fields himself should influence the search.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
It depends entirely on Justin Fields.
If Fields is good and he plays well, the Bears could win 10+ games.
If Fields isn't good, the Bears are in a much rougher spot…
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
I do not — he said this himself in his press conference yesterday. They will hire a GM and that GM will have total control of football operations. But there is no secondary level of leadership above him. GM reports directly to George.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
Personally, yes. I think the highest ceiling in today's NFL is a play-calling offensive-minded HC to pair with a franchise QB. If Justin Fields is the guy, you want minimal disruption for him.
There are other factors to consider, certainly, but this is my ideal scenario.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
Cuts won't increase their draft capital. I assume you mean trades?
I'd keep an eye on the following names:
Robert Quinn
Khalil Mack
Cody Whitehair
Eddie Goldman
Possibly even David Montgomery (though I hope not)— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
I don't think the Bears have the ammunition to do that. They are better off accumulating picks, especially if they proceed to hire good scouts.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
Sean Payton is one of the five best coaches in the NFL and has been since he entered the NFL.
Problem is his availability — why would New Orleans let him go? And if they do, it will not be cheap, compensation-wise for the Saints.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
Joe Brady would be someone I think about.
Darrell Bevell could be interesting.
I'd also look at Mike Kafka, potentially.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
GM: Ed Dodds, Rick Smith, intrigued by Morocco Brown and Jeff Ireland
HC: Nathaniel Hackett, Brian Daboll, Brian Flores to an extent since it was reported he wanted Herbert over Tua
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
I think he's worth a casual interview at the very least. Though I think he needs another year or two as a DC before someone will take a shot.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022
Yes.
They're all extremely important positions!
CB is the most important position on defense, but building the offense is more important.
If I had to rank:
WR
OL
CB— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 12, 2022