The Chicago Bears haven’t declared anything yet regarding an organizational shakeup. Head coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace remain in charge. That won’t change on Sunday. After it? This is where the questions begin. Some people believe both men are safe regardless of the outcome tomorrow. Others are convinced another loss to the Packers and missing the playoffs means both are out.
One thing is certain. The Bears’ potential search for a new regime will be decided by what happens across the rest of the NFL. Four other teams are already in the process of finding new head coaches. It’s possible the majority of them have their sights set on certain candidates already. Candidates the Bears may or may not be interested in. What is the landscape looking like at present?
Probably not what a lot of people expected. Already several names are popping up with certain teams that weren’t among the most popular when firings were first made. Here are the latest updates.
Chicago Bears may have a sizable list of options
Jacksonville
The #Jaguars have held off making a firm and final decision on coach Doug Marrone, but sources say they will likely move on from him. Expect Urban Meyer to be a top target. My story: https://t.co/1q6jeVgXJY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2021
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Word is the Jaguars are seeking a top program builder. Somebody with name recognition. Meyer certainly qualifies having won two national championships at the college level. Having a chance to pair him with Trevor Lawrence might just be the bait needed to get him out of the analyst booth and back on the sidelines. This would remove probably the most desired landing spot for coaches in the field. Rapoport later said if Meyer declines, Jacksonville will shift to pursuing Ryan Day of Ohio State.
New York (Jets)
GM Joe Douglas is expected to run the search personally despite rumors returning owner Woody Johnson might override him. Early rumors indicated Douglas really wanted Pat Fitzgerald of Northwestern but that seems unlikely. Instead Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network has it on pretty good authority Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale will be a primary target for the Jets. No surprise given the many connections Douglas has to Baltimore.
49ers LB Fred Warner on Robert Saleh: “Best DC in the league. … Love that guy, know he’s going to be a great head coach one day soon.” https://t.co/m5AWNcS74T via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 28, 2020
Detroit
The moment Matt Patricia got fired a few weeks ago, buzz between 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the Lions began. It’s not hard to see why. He is one of the best coordinators in the league and is a Michigan native. Coming back to coach his hometown team is such a natural story. He would be able to fix Detroit’s constantly broken defense and maybe salvage the twilight years of Matthew Stafford’s career.
Houston
Bill O’Brien was actually the first head coach to get canned this year. Not a surprise considering what he did to that roster once he gained full power in 2017. Romeo Crennel isn’t going to stick around. The initial buzz is quarterback Deshaun Watson is a big fan of Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Keeping their star happy would probably be in Houston’s best interests and insider Benjamin Allbright revealed he is indeed the current favorite.
Atlanta/Philadelphia/L.A./Denver/Minnesota
Some wild cards still exist out there besides just the Chicago Bears too. Recent reports have indicated Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and Broncos head coach Vic Fangio should both be safe for next season. Raheem Morris has done a very good job since replacing Dan Quinn in Atlanta. Enough to where some think he has a serious chance to stay in charge permanently.
Mike Zimmer has been surrounded by rumors of departure in Minnesota since last season but thus far nothing. Then there’s Anthony Lynn. He seemed dead in the water a few weeks ago but has since won three games in a row. With Kansas City resting its starters, it should be four by the end of this weekend. It is possible the team keeps him for one more year.
What does all this mean for the Chicago Bears? If these rumors prove true, then they could have serious options in play if they move on from Nagy. This includes hot Panther offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Fitzgerald from Northwestern, and also Matt Campbell of Iowa State. It’s a solid pool of options.
Enough to where the Bears should be able to get one of them if Nagy is out as some expect. The next 48 hours are going to be fascinating.
