The Chicago Bears head coach list for 2018 seems to be coming into focus now. John Fox blew his last, fleeting chance to save his job when his team fell flat against the Lions in Detroit. The loss assures the Bears will finish no better than 6-10, which would match the best record Fox has had in Chicago during his 2015 season. That’s certainly not what one might call growth.
Thus all focus now is on January 1st. That is the day the season ends for the Bears, the infamous “Black Monday” for many head coaches each year. Fox should feel fortunate he’ll manage to survive that far. Given some of the losses this season, it’s a surprise he wasn’t canned before then. Ownership has never done that in franchise history though.
Still, GM Ryan Pace knows his top priority will be finding an able replacement. Somebody who can get the most from young quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Who though? There will be a long list of options available. It’s a matter of the type the Bears want and also who’s available. Don’t forget one key. Several of the top options will be in the playoffs. Are the Bears willing to wait to get their guy?
Since it’s Pace in charge, patience likely won’t be a problem. Still it appears the Bears have narrowed their short list.
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Chicago Bears head coach list features lots of youth
A source reached out to me stating that the team has an idea of who they want to pursue. When I asked who they might be, five names came up.
“They are currently ruling names out and narrowing their list. Right now Matt Lafleur, Frank Reich, John DeFilippo, Matt Nagy and Pete Carmichael have become their targets. Those are the five with an understanding other coaches may become available.”
A few things are clear from that list. One is Pace certainly is completely focused on Trubisky. All five are top offensive minds. Another is most of them are young. Lafleur, DeFilippo and Nagy have yet to turn 40-years old. Carmichael is 46. Only Reich stands out as an elder at 56. Last but not least, all are currently poised to enter the playoffs at the head of a highly successful offenses.
Total Offense rankings:
- New Orleans Saints – 1st (Carmichael)
- Philadelphia Eagles – 3rd (Reich & DeFilippo)
- Kansas City Chiefs – 5th (Nagy)
- Los Angeles Rams – 9th (Lafleur)
Carmichael has been the loyal subordinate to Sean Payton in New Orleans for 11 years. Pace of course has connections to the Saints, so that’s something to watch. Reich is a former NFL backup quarterback who is enjoying a successful run with his second team as an offensive coordinator. DeFilippo is his quarterbacks coach, responsible for the outstanding play of both Carson Wentz and Nick Foles.
Nagy has really saved the season in Kansas City, reviving their stagnant offense over the past three weeks since he took over play calling duties. Lafleur, though he doesn’t call plays, is primarily responsible for the drastic turnaround by Jared Goff from his ugly rookie season to a possible Pro Bowl. It’s a strong group to be sure.
Now it’s likely this list is subject to change. There are still two weeks left to go in the season. As the end of the quote stated, it’s unknown which other coaches might become available. There are rumblings that Bill O’Brien in Houston and Jay Gruden in Washington may end up free agents. At that point Pace may have to consider them. Both are proven QB specialists who have led their teams to the playoffs.
It will be fascinating to see which direction this all goes.
