The Chicago Bears head coaching search is fixing to get started in earnest within the next month. Five games remain on the schedule. All signs point to head coach John Fox getting his walking papers when January arrives. In fact rumors insist GM Ryan Pace already has a list of possible candidate names he’s intending to explore. A list he never threw away since he first started back in 2015.
One name that is almost certain to still be on that list is Josh McDaniels. The New England Patriots offensive coordinator might be the most accomplished at his position in the NFL. Since returning in 2012 their offense has never ranked lower than fourth in scoring. Sure having Tom Brady helps but there is no denying McDaniels’ prowess as a play caller.
That offensive expertise is something that is certain to entice the Bears. They have a young, talented quarterback in place with Mitch Trubisky. His skill set in fits what McDaniels loves to do offensively. It feels like this would be a perfect marriage. The question of course is whether Chicago could lure him out of Foxborough.
Chicago Bears head coaching search hinges on enticing candidates
McDaniels is viewed as a top candidate but also a difficult one to lure out of New England. Rumors have persisted for months that the 41-year old is perfectly content there. In fact some think he’s slotted to be the heir apparent to Bill Belichick whenever the latter retires. So the Bears would need a sizable argument to convince him of leaving.
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Of course that starts with Trubisky, not to mention the solid defense Pace has built over the past three years. The Bears will also have lots of cap space and likely a top 10 pick to bolster the roster however McDaniels wishes. However, there may be something else the team has. A hidden ace up their sleeve who could potentially swing the balance in their favor.
That’s McDaniels’ own brother, Ben. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explains in his recent mailbag.
“Ben McDaniels was hired as an offensive assistant in 2016 and certainly he could share plenty of insight about the franchise, the inner workings and the roster with his brother. Does that enhance the Bears’ chances of luring Josh McDaniels if they’re seeking a new coach at the end of the season and he is interested in leaving New England? Not necessarily. It would certainly give Josh McDaniels a head start when it comes to doing homework on the organization though.”
There are a few things to note here
Josh and his brother are close. Obviously because they’re family but also because they’ve worked together in the past. When Josh was hired as head coach in Denver, he brought Ben on board as an assistant. Later he was promoted to quarterbacks coach. So it’s clear the older brother has a favorable opinion of young Ben.
Adding to this idea is another development. That being the Patriots’ decision to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco earlier this year. Most felt that Garoppolo was the heir apparent to the 40-year old Tom Brady. Perhaps the man that McDaniels would inherit when he eventually succeeded Belichick. Now that opportunity is gone. So what will McDaniels have when he takes over? Odds are Brady will be gone by then. Right now the Patriots have nothing for him to work with long-term.
Being able to take over a team with a familiar face in place on the coaching staff and a #2 overall pick at quarterback has to sound appealing for McDaniels. On the flip side his arrival in Chicago would be exactly what the Bears could’ve wanted for Trubisky.
