John Fox’s placement on the hot seat has been firm for quite some time – even before he became the worst head coach in team history – and the temperatures are going to heat up until a firm decision regarding his future is announced by the Chicago Bears.
For what it’s worth, Brian Urlacher wants to see him keep his job, but the Bears’ head coach hasn’t been given any assurances that he will finish the season with that title.
Then again, he hasn’t asked GM Ryan Pace either:
Bears HC John Fox on whether he has been assured he'll finish out the season: "I haven’t heard anything one way or the other. I wouldn’t ask. I’m doing everything in our power to put the best product on the field day-to-day, week-to-week. That’s what I can control."
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) December 4, 2017
Fox went on to say he has been in constant contact with the Bears’ general manager:
Fox on the nature of his conversations with GM Ryan Pace: "It’s been very positive from the standpoint of working relationship. Like (for) everybody…(the results are) frustrating, no doubt. You just keep rolling." #Bears
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) December 4, 2017
The line of questioning came hours after the New York Giants decided an in-season housecleaning was the best plan of attack for the 2-10 team. New York’s decision-makers stepped in and fired Head Coach Ben McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese.
McAdoo coached the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff spot in his first year as the team’s head coach. He previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2014, with coaching stops with the New Orleans Saints (offensive quality control coordinator), San Francisco 49ers (offensive line coach/offensive quality control), and Green Bay Packers (tight ends coach, quarterbacks coach) before moving on to call plays under Tom Coughlin.
Reese, the architect of two Super Bowl champions, had been with the team in some capacity since 1994, when he started his career in the NFL as a college scout. He moved on to pro scouting before moving on to be the Director of Player Personnel and eventually the GM starting in 2007.
Steve Spagnuolo will take over as the team’s interim coach.
If the Bears were to go the Giants route, it’s worth noting they don’t have anyone on the coaching staff with head coaching experience. And if the Bears were to theoretically make a move that took Fox and Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains out of the picture, no one else on the coaching staff has experience as a play caller. Running Backs Coach Curtis Modkins served as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator last year, but play calling responsibilities were handled by Chip Kelly.
Then again, it doesn’t sound like Fox is open to making any changes:
John Fox on if he has considered staff changes: “That hasn’t been productive for me in the past. No.”
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 4, 2017