NEWSLETTER
A revitalized Chicago Bears team appears to be playing Matt Nagy into some job security.
There’s still much to be determined between now and when a decision will go down, but here’s a strong hint that the Bears’ late-season push has saved Nagy’s gig. At least for the time being:
Multiple people around NFL believe the Bears will retain Matt Nagy for 2021, as a win over Jacksonville would ensure three seasons of at least eight wins. Final two weeks must play out but Nagy’s team responded to midseason struggles and coach appears well-positioned.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 27, 2020
It is becoming evident that this team will retain its head coach should it emerge from the ashes of a six-game losing streak with a rebound that leads to a playoff appearance. And if that’s how the cookie crumbles, a fair amount of credit should go to the head coach. Especially if the main reasons for the Bears’ rebound turn out to be Nagy handing off play-calling duties that improve the offense and his ability to keep things together when they could have easily fallen apart. People wanted adjustments and changes, then got them. And the results are what they are to this point.
Even still … I must say that Fowler’s framing of the Nagy era is a painfully low bar to clear. Three seasons of at least eight wins isn’t something to write home about on its own. But a 12-win season in Year 1 and a 9-win season that results in a playoff appearance makes it real tough to move on from a coach. Yes, even one who was on the hot seat just a few weeks ago.
To be clear, nothing is etched in stone. The Bears still have another game to play. And it’s a must-win game should they want to make it into the postseason on their terms (they can lose, but then their fate is out of their hands). And if that loss results in Chicago misses the playoffs, then all that chatter about wholesale changes that was on the table after losing to the Lions is right back in front of us again.
