The Chicago Bears are right back where they were in 2015. With an aging roster and about to fire a head coach who is clearly overmatched by his responsibilities. So what do they do now? It is clear whatever approach they’ve used for years just isn’t working. George McCaskey knows time is short. His mother isn’t getting any younger. The team chairman is desperate to field a contender before it’s too late. If his usual approach won’t cut it, perhaps the time for a change is at hand.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports has reported something is happening at Halas Hall. Something that is pretty significant not only in regards to how their entire football operations are run but how they may approach the business moving forward.
“Accomplished coaching agent Trace Armstrong has discussed the possibility of taking a top management position with the Chicago Bears, according to league sources, as ownership mulls sweeping coaching and front office changes.
Armstrong, a former Bears player who is held in very high regard by the McCaskey family and longtime team president Ted Phillips, is very interested in the potential of helping steward his former franchise into better days, and ownership is at least willing to consider the notion of restructuring the hierarchy of the franchise, sources said, as it embarks on getting a new stadium constructed in Arlington. Sources said in this scenario, if the sides agreed to it, Armstrong would oversee football operations with the coach and GM reporting to him; Bears coach Matt Nagy is currently one of Armstrong’s clients, but at this point staving off a coaching change in Chicago is remote at best, with a heavy expectation around the league that Nagy is let go.”
This is huge news if true.
People have long said the Bears desperately need somebody in full control of the organization that has a football background. Armstrong fits the bill to perfection. Not only is he a former defensive end that was a really good player in the 1990s, but he’s also been an agent for years. So he understands both the football and the business aspects. La Canfora believes the ball got rolling when the funeral was held for legendary strength coach Clyde Emrich.
“Armstrong spoke to team officials last month, sources said, as many former players returned to Chicago to honor former longtime strength coach Clyde Emrich, a former Olympic wrestler who spent 50 years in the organization, after his passing. While leaving a successful agent practice would not be easy, numerous league sources said Armstrong’s pull to the Bears is unique and he is serious about the opportunity.”
So is there any validity to this? La Canfora is notorious for having shaky sources in the past. In this instance, though he might be onto something. Armstrong’s name was mentioned to SM a few weeks ago. At the time it was stated the agent was working closely with the Bears in their search for a new head coach. Basically like a consultant. This new revelation suggests the connection is real but the implications are far, far bigger.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears would have a major asset in Armstrong
Not only because of his football knowledge but more importantly because of his connections. The man represents several noteworthy clients across the NFL. So he has ties to several prominent organizations at both the college and pro levels. He no doubt gets details on notable players, coaches, and executives all the time. This is something the Bears have never really had at their disposal before.
Then there are the direct connections. Armstrong is the agent for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as La Canfora mentioned in the article. An easy connection given the Chicago Bears employ Justin Fields at quarterback. However, he is also the representative for New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Another hot candidate on the coaching market for this coming offseason.
So yeah. This would be a pretty significant move.
It would mean an expansion and restructure of the football operations. Something this organization hasn’t done since the 1970s when they made Jim Finks their first GM. Armstrong is the sort of guy perfect for President of Football Operations. Smart, experienced, and savvy to both sides of the business. Not to mention incredibly loyal to the franchise that made him a millionaire back in 1989 as a 1st round pick.