Chicago Bears Head Coach John Fox has been on the hot seat since June and the temperatures have only gotten hotter.
During NFL GameDay’s morning rundown, insider Ian Rapoport shed some light on the Bears’ coaching situation:
From @NFLGameDay: A run-down of coaches on the hot seat, beginning with the status of #Lions coach Jim Caldwell. Also: #Bears coach John Fox, #Colts coach Chuck Pagano, and #Broncos coach Vance Joseph, with GM John Elway really wanting it to work. pic.twitter.com/9DB6qBbByA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2017
“No firm word on his status yet, but the people I’ve spoken with know that several coaches on his staff believe that it will not end well for Fox,” Rapoport said. “This organization, as far as the coaching staff goes, will have to start over, even though they do think they have the franchise quarterback of the future.”
Fox’s status has been open to speculation in the wake of rumors regarding the front office’s list of candidates … one that has only grown to include the likes of John DeFilippo, Matt Nagy, Pat Fitzgerald, and others during the team’s five-game losing streak.
The Bears are mired in a stretch of four straight losing seasons, three of which have come under Fox’s watch. Chicago’s defense has made improvements under Vic Fangio, but the offense has taken a step back since Adam Gase left to become the Miami Dolphins head coach.
As for the concept of starting over, it’s not as gloomy as it might seem. The Bears have building blocks in quarterback Mitch Trubisky and running back Jordan Howard, as well as defensive studs in defensive end Akiem Hicks, outside linebacker/edge defender Leonard Floyd, and safety Eddie Jackson.
Once Fox is out of the picture, pressure will shift to GM Ryan Pace to find the right head coach to develop Trubisky, not to mention additional talent for the roster around him.