The Chicago Bears coaching candidate list figures to be extensive this off-season. GM Ryan Pace has proven himself a methodical man interested in details. He’s not afraid to dig deep into unexplored areas to find talent. Don’t forget more than half his 2017 draft class came from smaller schools. It’s not crazy to think he might go outside the box for the next Bears coach.
Then again his hiring of John Fox back in 2015 proved he wasn’t afraid to take the obvious name either. So in essence there is just no way to tell what Pace will do. Based on his comments during the recent Bears press conference though, one thing is clear. In all likelihood his search will be geared around finding somebody who can make Mitch Trubisky a success.
So logic dictates he’ll put a heavy emphasis on coaches who are quarterback specialists. That much is apparent in their early interview requests. Already Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur are on the agenda. One name though that has become red hot of late might actually be the perfect fit.
Bears coaching candidate John DeFilippo earns two big comparisons
How often is it that the quarterbacks coach of an offense is getting more attention for head coaching jobs than the offensive coordinator? That seems to be the case though in Philadelphia. John DeFilippo is being universally praised for his work with Carson Wentz this season. Wentz was an MVP favorite prior to tearing his ACL. DeFilippo, who has a long history of molding young QBs (Mark Sanchez and Derek Carr), earned much of the credit.
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It would seem the Bears have taken notice. They’ve acted quickly in setting up an interview with him as the Eagles enjoy their bye week in the playoffs.
Bears are setting up an interview with Eagles QB coach John DeFilippo for later this week, sources tell me and @RapSheet. His work with Carson Wentz has made him a legit candidate.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 1, 2018
Plan is for Eagles QBs coach John DeFilippo to interview for the Cardinals and Bears HC jobs on Friday/Saturday in Philly, per source.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 2, 2018
DeFilippo is highly respected in coaching circles. Many see him as the next great young coach in the NFL. A few weeks ago former NFL player and current analyst Brian Baldinger called him “another Sean McVay.” That is to say a young coach who is ready to take over his own team despite not being the most experienced. In fact DeFilippo has only been an offensive coordinator for one season. That has many concerned about whether he’s ready.
Truth be told it’s unconventional but history shows it’s not impossible. Andy Reid was never a coordinator in his career. He turned out well. There is plenty of faith that DeFilippo will be the same way.
McVay isn’t the only comparison he’s earned though
One of the key factors driving the Bears coaching search as stated already is Pace’s desire to build around Trubisky. No doubt he’s trying to follow the New Orleans Saints model he knows so well from his time there. One of the key factors that led to so much success for the organization was the pairing of quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton.
Payton is one of the top offensive minds in the league and someone Pace respects. So it might be fascinating to hear that DeFilippo is said to have some notable similarities.
Flip has some Sean Payton in him, some in league circles say. With this Bears management group, that's worth something. https://t.co/dbI8ALgHkB
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) January 1, 2018
Detailed? Motivator? Cares about the personal life of his players? Those are all hallmarks of a good head coach. Indeed DeFilippo does seem to have a similar personality to Payton. Whether he’s the same level of offensive genius remains to be seen. At the same time his impact on quarterbacks is his biggest selling point.
If he could work the same magic on Trubisky as he did for Wentz, then the Bears would be in business moving forward.
