Chicago Bears: Mocking The Entire 2017 Off-Season

1 of 5

Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

For most teams it has to do with the draft. For the Chicago Bears though, this entire upcoming 2017 off-season could alter their entire franchise.

The coaching staff from top to bottom is on the hot seat. GM Ryan Pace will have upwards of $60 million in salary cap space for free agency and in all likelihood a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. Changes are coming. It’s just a matter of determining how many there will be and will they make a positive or negative difference on the course ahead.

With that in mind, it will almost certainly start January 2nd when the season end. Will John Fox and his staff get one more year to get things right or has he bungled his last opportunity?

The Coaching Staff

John Fox: Returns

This may not sit well with many Bears fans after watching the team get worse under John Fox this year. However, there are just too many obstacles to the idea that they would dismiss the veteran coach after just two seasons. Money being a big one but also continuity and the fact a laundry list of injuries cloud just how well this team could’ve done. Odds are Ryan Pace will look to keep adding on the roster and give him one more chance to get it right.

Dowell Loggains: Returns

Something to keep in mind here. Dowell Loggains has had some really down moments in his first year as offensive coordinator. Play calling at times looked ugly. Still, after all that the Bears offense ranks 15th in total yards. This despite playing games with three different quarterbacks. Throw in the fact that to date Fox has never fired a coordinator since he’s been a head coach, the truth is Loggains will probably be back as well.

Vic Fangio: Returns

By far the fate that has everybody nervous the most is Vic Fangio. Fans have quickly fallen in love with the defensive coordinator. His unit ranks 9th in the NFL this season despite severe limitations in the secondary. Some are concerns a rift exists between him and Fox and it could result in his departure. That of course would leave the entire fate of the defense in question. Still, Fangio insisted he intends to be back next year and he’s always been known for his blunt honesty.

Home/Mock Drafts