After a morning of rumors and updates, it is official that the Chicago Bears have found their newest head coach as former Denver Bronco John Fox joins the franchise, agreeing to a four-year deal this afternoon according to EPSN sources.
Fox, 59, just finished up a four year stint with the Broncos that saw him compile a record of 46-18, four straight playoff appearances and four straight AFC West championships.
His career record sits at 118-89, to go along with a career post season record of 8-7. Fox is also just one of six head coaches in NFL history to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl.
There is no question that Fox inherits a very talented roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball. With players like Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett, the Bears seem to be set with big time playmakers at all of the skill positions.
The biggest question on offense is what Fox will do with current starter, Jay Cutler, who despite setting career highs in completion percentage (66%), and passing touchdowns (28) along with the franchise record of completions (370) still lead the league in turnovers (NFL high 18 interceptions and six fumbles) as the Bears underperformed all season.
There really isn’t much out there in the trade market or in free agency, so I would be very surprised if Cutler isn’t the Bear’s starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2015 NFL season. After a record setting offense in Denver, it is clear Fox knows how to get the ball to his playmakers. It will be up to Cutler to decide whether the offense is truly going to take that next step or not.
More importantly, Fox will look to improve one of the worst defenses in football.
Chicago finished 31st in points allowed per game (27.6), 30th in total yards allowed (377.1), 30th in passing defense (264.4) and 17th against the run (112.7).
Fox has already shown that he is a mastermind on the defensive side of the ball, improving some of the worst defenses in football at his former stops.
The Broncos and Panthers ranked among the worst defenses in the league before Fox’s arrival, and he turned both units around into top-10 units before it was all said and done.
It is unknown what Fox plans to do with the assistants remaining from Mark Treastman’s staff. It wouldn’t shock me in the least if he brought in an entire new staff to complete the turnover.
This move certainly is just the beginning in Chicago as Fox and new general manager Ryan Pace have their work cut out for them if they want to end the Bear’s four year playoff drought.
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