Today is the day that Chicago Bears fans will learn the fates of Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. The head coach and GM have been together for the past four seasons. Things started with such promise back in 2018. A 12-4 record and a division title. Starting in 2019 though, things began slowly unraveling. The defense got older and less dominant. The offense still couldn’t score no matter who they trotted out at quarterback. Things finally hit bottom this season as the Bears finished 6-11.
Now the two men responsible await their fates. Everybody agrees that Nagy is gone. As for Pace, informed people seem split. Some think he’s out while others believe he’ll survive. One concern for Bears fans is what to expect if and when those jobs come open. Will George McCaskey be able to attract the absolute best candidates for them? Remember that since he took over in 2011, he has already hired two different GMs and three different head coaches. Adam Jahns of The Athletic doesn’t seem too concerned about that. The Bears insider reiterated on his podcast with Adam Hoge that one thing is clear.
If those two jobs become available, NFL candidates will line up out the door for them.
It is difficult to argue those points. Justin Fields is a highly talented young quarterback. Darnell Mooney cracked 1,000 yards receiving in his second season. Cole Kmet became the first tight end to cross 600 yards since 2014 for the Bears. David Montgomery is a top 10 running back. Roquan Smith is a Pro Bowler in all but name while Jaylon Johnson has proven to be a quality cover corner.
Throw in an ownership that is known for being non-invasive and it’s easy to see why head coach and GM hopefuls see plenty to like about the Bears. The one big drawback is resources. Chicago has only five picks in the 2022 draft including no 1st rounder. They have over $43 million in cap space but also 25 players that are about to become unrestricted free agents. So this offseason will prove challenging in finding ways to upgrade the roster.
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Remember the next Chicago Bears regime will think big picture
Of course they’ll want to win in 2022. However, unlike Nagy and Pace, they won’t have to be focused on a win-now mentality. They’ll have the benefit of time on their side. So they can do their best to fortify the roster for next season while likely taking steps towards increasing their flexibility both in cap space and draft picks in 2023. That should be when the true overhaul begins for this team.
As always, the decision rests with McCaskey. He hasn’t spoken a word to the public since last January. Everybody remembers that fateful press conference when he chose to keep the two men in charge. A decision most at the time knew was a mistake. Now the team chairman is back at the same crossroads. He has reportedly consulted with outside advisors on what to do next. Nagy is a safe bet to be gone while smoke seems to be growing that Pace will follow.
From there, the real challenge begins.
Not only finding replacements for both of them but actually upgrading. Something this ownership has struggled to do for many years. While there are plenty of qualified candidates for each position, the reality is it may not come down to track records or qualifications. It will be who can schmooz McCaskey the best during interviews. That, more than anything, is what terrifies Chicago Bears fans the most.
