The Bears fired coach John Fox yesterday after three consecutive losing seasons, "ending one of the least successful coaching stints in team history," according to Andrew Seligman of the AP. The Bears have had "four consecutive losing seasons -- each with 10 or more losses" (AP, 1/1). Bears GM Ryan Pace said, "We’re looking for the best coach. Best character, best leadership. So I don’t want to paint ourselves into offense or defense. It’s going to be a broad, thorough search." In Chicago, Rich Campbell notes that was "about as descriptive as Pace got as he embarked on his second coaching search in three years." For competitive reasons, the NFL’s youngest GM "chose not to share the detailed profile he has in mind." The Bears had a 14-34 record over the last three years, and after firing Fox, Pace "signed a two-year extension" that locks him in through '21. The new deal was "as much a business move as a reward for his performance in three last-place seasons on the job." By keeping Pace for four more years, his timeline "will match that of the next coach, interlocking their fates." Bears President & CEO Ted Phillips and Chair George McCaskey "reiterated their confidence in Pace’s ability to build the Bears into a winner." Phillips "praised Pace’s leadership, communication skills and other abilities running the football operation." Pace, McCaskey and Phillips "will handle the search." Pace will "make the final decision" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/2). ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson noted under Pace, who was signed to a five-year contract in '15, the Bears have "endured a string of free-agent misses." Pace said that he will "not cede control of the 53-man roster to the future head coach" (ESPN.com, 1/1).
TRYING TIMES: McCaskey yesterday said to fans, "We know this has been difficult. We know that you’re frustrated and disappointed, and rightly so. We know that you’ve been getting the business for being a Bears fan when you go to the grocery store or church or (you’re) picking up the kids, wherever, because we’re getting it, too. This has taken longer than any of us expected, but we appreciate your support.” In Chicago, Patrick Finley notes fans have been "getting the business because of the way the Bears have handled theirs." But that "won’t change anytime soon, as the Bears have made zero changes to their front-office structure." McCaskey said that the decision to fire Fox was "Pace's alone, but that he supported it" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/2). Also in Chicago, David Haugh writes on the same day the Bears fired Fox, the franchise "staunchly defended" extending the contract through '21 for the GM who "assembled the rosters responsible for so much losing." Haugh: "Accountability, be damned." The Bears "kicked off the new year by recycling the same old message delivered in all-too familiar fashion" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/2).
SHOW SOME FAITH? YAHOO SPORTS' Frank Schwab wrote it would have been "awkward if it seemed like Pace was hiring the new coach while on a hot seat himself." That "won’t be the case now." It is also a "rare show of patience in an impatient league" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/1). In Chicago, John Mullin wrote the extension sends a message of "continuity and stability to prospective coaching candidates, who can now conclude that their boss has the backing of his bosses" (NBCSPORTS.com, 1/1). Also in Chicago, Barry Rozner writes Pace delivered the "same message he delivered" after the last two seasons. If he is "given enough years, he might end up being right someday." The question is about "whether he can build a football team, not just a group of athletes." To "escape blame while it all falls on the head coach is one of the most surprising developments in Bears history" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 1/2).
