People often make a big deal out of the NFL conferences in the NFC and AFC. Sort of a pro version of the college conferences. There’s a bit of pride from fans whose teams play in either one and they see it as the superior conference. It may not seem like it on the surface but there is a significance behind the fact that Matt Nagy came from the AFC to take over the Chicago Bears.
Here are a few interesting nuggets. Since 2000, the NFC has won seven Super Bowls. This was done by six different teams. The AFC has won 11 Super Bowls but this was done by just five different teams. So while the AFC may hold the decisive advantage in total wins, the NFC has proven the tougher conference to play. It’s also worth noting this.
Six of the Super Bowl-winning coaches came from NFC teams prior to their head coaching hires. Five came from the AFC with Pete Carroll being exempt having come from college. This is not to say AFC coaches have trouble taking over NFC teams. Last season proved that much with Doug Pederson.
However, it could be a big deal when it comes to the Bears.
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Matt Nagy faces an uphill battle in Chicago coming out of the AFC
Before delving into the information, one key point must be made. Both Jack Pardee and Marc Trestman will not be included on this list. Pardee came from the World Football League in 1975 and Trestman came from the CFL. So neither qualifies under these parameters. So here is the slate as it stands.
- Abe Gibron – NFC – promoted by the Bears
- Neill Armstrong – NFC – assistant coach for Minnesota Vikings
- Mike Ditka – NFC – assistant coach for Dallas Cowboys
- Dave Wannstedt – NFC – defensive coordinator for Dallas Cowboys
- Dick Jauron – AFC – defensive coordinator for Jacksonville Jaguars
- Lovie Smith – NFC – defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams
- John Fox – AFC – head coach of the Denver Broncos
NFC = 268-245 record and 12 playoff runs
AFC = 49-79 record and 1 playoff run
Now the total number of seasons played must be taken into account. The AFC coaches covered just eight dating back to 1972. Still, the numbers are telling. Whenever the Bears have plucked from the NFC, it has led to more success. Their winning percentage is far superior as is their ability to reach the postseason. Both of their Super Bowl appearances also occurred under NFC coaches.
Now with that said a little context is needed. Though Jauron and Fox were major flops, it must be noted both inherited teams going through significant rebuilds. The Bears had gone 4-12 in back-to-back seasons prior to Jauron’s arrival. Fox took over a 5-11 team that was the oldest in the NFL.
Yet the results speak for themselves. AFC coaches have had a rough go of it in Chicago. The good news is Matt Nagy has advantages both Jauron and Fox didn’t. He’s inherited a young and athletic team. He already has a top quarterback in place and a strong defense as well. Not only that, but he’s also the third coach from the AFC to take over this franchise.
You know what they say about the third time.
