It’s always important to be careful not to jump on every single rumor out there. At the same time with the Chicago Bears out of the playoffs, this is how is has to be. They’re hunting for a new head coach. People are anxious to know if any out there might have a leg up on others. Thus far nobody is certain on that front for them.
Until now perhaps.
Ian Rapoport is always a great source for interesting tidbits. He’s one of the best insiders in the game, so whenever he has something to say it’s worth listening too. That’s why Bears fans may want to pay attention to his recent interview on 94WIP with Jon Marks and Ike Reese. The conversation was top coaching candidates. The name mentioned was Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.
Given the recent play of Carson Wentz this season it’s no surprise he’s getting lots of attention. After the success of Sean McVay in Los Angeles, teams are looking for that next young offensive specialist. At 39-years old DeFilippo certainly qualifies. It would seem Rapoport believes it’s merely a matter of time before he lands a job.
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.@RapSheet on John DeFilippo: "I do actually believe he's going to be a head coach"
— Jon Marks & Ike Reese on 94WIP (@MarksReeseWIP) January 3, 2018
That in itself isn’t really newsworthy. The man has been red hot in coaching circles since Wentz took off. However it was another little nugget that dropped shortly later that picked up the buzz.
"Chicago is the one to keep an eye on" https://t.co/WB3lq1YoxN
— John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) January 3, 2018
Chicago Bears viewed as prime landing spot for DeFilippo
There is so much sense behind the idea. DeFilippo helped Wentz, a former #2 overall pick realize his potential in Philadelphia. It would be rather fitting to see him do it for Mitch Trubisky, another former #2 overall pick, in Chicago. The Bears certainly haven’t wasted time. His name was one of the first they requested an interview with after John Fox was fired. The lone caveat being they have some early competition.
Cardinals and Bears both submitted requests to interview Eagles’ QB coach John DeFilippo for their HC job, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2018
For those fans who might remember the Cardinals were also in competition with the Bears for Bruce Arians back in 2013. Chicago eventually went with Marc Trestman, allowing Arians to have a successful run in Arizona. If they’re hot on the trail of DeFilippo, shouldn’t that be a sign they’re on the right track of a good coach?
There is no denying that DeFilippo is a bright guy. His attention to detail just in this clip is obvious. Throw in the fact he approaches his job with a lot of energy and that has the makings of a quality coach. Of course it’s never that simple. Running an NFL team is about being a great manager of people. It’s unknown to this point whether he has the chops for that. He’s only been an offensive coordinator once and that was for a year in Cleveland.
There is an element of unknown to this idea. So if GM Ryan Pace makes that move, it comes with a high degree of risk. If it works, the payoff will be huge.
