NEWSLETTER
While the Buffalo Bills are preparing for a playoff game against the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears are licking their wounds after an 11-loss season and a lack of a postseason to speak of for the second time in three years. But, perhaps, the prevailing thought might be that poaching Buffalo might get Chicago closer to hoisting a Lombardi trophy.
The Bears reportedly have an interest in interviewing Bills OC Brian Daboll and DC Leslie Frazier. But interest in copy-catting the Bills might not end there:
Bears requested an interview with the Buffalo Bills’ assistant general manager Joe Schoen for their GM job, per source.
Bears now interested in Schoen, Brian Daboll and Leslie Frazier.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2022
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shares the Bears’ additional interest in interviewing Assistant General Manager Joe Schoen. That’s now three people from a Bills organization that seems to be doing just fine these days, making the playoffs in four of the five years. Head Coach Sean McDermott deserves a ton of credit for the work he has put in since 2017. The same can be said about Daboll and Frazier when it comes to their respective sides of the ball. However, maybe it’s time to start digging into that front office for some bigger picture answers.
Schoen is the right-hand man next to lead executive Brandon Beane. Unlike some assistant GMs who climb through one organization’s ranks, Schoen has been around the league. He spent time in Carolina as a scouting assistant. The Dolphins had Schoen as a national scout, Assistant Director of College Scouting, and Director of Player Personnel. Schoen tagged along with Beane after 2017 and has been in Buffalo since. That’s a nice résumé for a candidate who is certainly worth bringing in for an initial interview.
For more on Schoen, this peek behind the curtain was fun:
As is the case when we were discussing Ed Dodds earlier, I wonder if there is tag team potential by targeting the Bills. For instance, it is feasible that a Schoen-Daboll tandem coming from Buffalo could intrigue folks, or maybe Schoen-Frazier. Familiarity can be underrated when you go somewhere new. And while we’re not there yet, it’s fun to let that thought cross your mind.
