Bears coach John Fox last night "denied an NFL Network report Sunday that the organization was examining the football operation -- and the Bears coach -- with the help of a consultant," according to Patrick Finley of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Fox: "I've dealt with reports for some time now, but when you're 1-6 that's what you expect. I think that's part of the business." Fox added that the "members of the team were in lockstep." Fox: "This is as unified an organization and a football team as I've ever been associated with. The 'National Enquirer' has a lot of reports, too" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 11/1). NFL.com's Ian Rapoport in the original report cited sources as saying that Bears' brass had "begun a full examination of the football operation from top to bottom." The team "tapped what is being described as an outside consultant to help." It is "clear" Fox' footing beyond '16 is "shaky." As for the front office and GM Ryan Pace, the current view from inside is that "two years is far too quick to judge those tabbed with acquiring talent, especially" with the '16 draft class showing "flashes of being a strong one." Fox has "two more years left on a four-year deal, while Pace has three years left on a five-year deal -- both fully guaranteed." Sources said that there were "some intense meetings" last week in Chicago "involving members of the front office and some coaches." It is "clear everyone is not on the same page" (NFL.com, 10/30).
TURN RIGHT BACK AROUND: In Jacksonville, Gene Frenette writes the Jaguars' "plummeting situation is so alarming, [Owner Shahid] Khan can't rule out any solution." The team is 2-5 and in last place in the AFC South, meaning "every football connected employee should be considered expendable," including GM Dave Caldwell. Caldwell's job security before the season "would have been a non-issue." Caldwell was hired three years ago to "reconstruct the Jaguars into a playoff contender," but has "seen progress quickly turn into regression" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 11/1).
