One thing that will be a challenge for the Chicago Bears this time around in their head coaching search? Finding somebody who is not only capable of developing Justin Fields, but also somebody that is a believer in him. Matt Nagy may have accepted the challenge of developing Mitch Trubisky when he took over in 2018, but information later came out that he was actually ranked 3rd on Nagy’s wishlist in the 2017 draft behind Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.
If the Bears are going to make this work, they need a head coach that 100% buys into the belief that Fields can be a franchise quarterback. Somebody that would have a plan for him and understands how to get the most out of his abilities. There are definitely options out there. It’s impossible to believe the Bears were the only team that would’ve loved to draft Fields. In fact, Albert Breer of the MMQB insisted on The Herd that one noteworthy coaching candidate did a lot of homework on the Ohio State product heading into the draft.
“Josh McDaniels I think is another one. He interviewed there previously. I think he’d be really good for Justin Fields. He vetted Justin Fields ahead of the draft last year. Obviously, the Patriots were looking for one.”
McDaniels actually saw Fields in person multiple times.
Not only was he part of the interview process when the Patriots were scouting quarterbacks, but he also attended the QB’s second pro day at Ohio State back in mid-April. This offers strong indicators that the offensive coordinator was at least intrigued by Fields. Based on what Breer has said multiple times now? McDaniels likely loved the idea of coaching him when the draft rolled around. The Bears just got there first.
Ohio State QB Justin Fields’ second pro day is today and the Patriots are bringing the cavalry—OC Josh McDaniels, ass’t dir. of player personnel Dave Ziegler and nat’l scout Matt Groh are expected in Columbus.
Pats had exec Eliot Wolf and an area scout at Fields’ first pro day.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 14, 2021
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New England held the 15th pick in the 1st round. It isn’t certain whether they tried to move up or not but their history says that was never a likelihood. No doubt they held their breath when Fields fell to the 11th pick. Then Chicago snagged him. So they went with Mac Jones instead. It has worked out pretty well. New England is 9-5 this season and Jones has a 94.6 passer rating. The highest of any rookie QB by a wide margin.
Justin Fields paired with McDaniels is hard not to like
The Patriots offensive coordinator is widely heralded as one of the best in the NFL. A keen mind with a seemingly endless reservoir of creativity. It doesn’t seem to matter what defenses try to scheme up. McDaniels always figures out how to attack it. There is a reason quarterbacks tend to have career-best seasons under his watch. Tom Brady of course did. Matt Cassel did. Kyle Orton did.
He makes life so much easier for his quarterbacks. Imagining him with Justin Fields? It is hard not to get excited. For all the greatness that Brady continues to have, McDaniels has never worked with a pure physical specimen like the Bears rookie. The size, the arm strength, and of course the mobility. Are there concerns with him as a coach? Sure. His tenure in Denver was a disaster, ending after less than two seasons.
He also backed out of the Colts job at the last minute in 2018.
Some wonder if he has the character and leadership required to be a head coach. These are valid concerns. At the same time, it’s way easier to win in the NFL when you have a quarterback. There is no question McDaniels would be somebody who can get the absolute most out of the Bears’ 11th overall pick. The fact he likes the young QB makes it an even easier decision.
