Is Bears GM Ryan Pace Seeking a Reunion With Sean Payton?

Two things have become clear in recent weeks. John Fox is on the hot seat and Sean Payton may be near the end of his run with the New Orleans Saints.

It can’t be a surprise about Fox. He’s built a paltry 9-25 record with the Chicago Bears thus far, starting 0-2 in 2017. It marks the third-straight time his teams have done that since he took over the franchise. Signs point to him losing his grip on the job. The stubborn refusal to bench Mike Glennon and continued sloppy performance from his players aren’t doing him any favors.

Meanwhile Payton continues the same old song and dance with the Saints. After winning the Super Bowl in 2009, the coach quickly developed a notable reputation. His offenses would be outstanding every year, but his defenses consistently ranked among the worst in the league. From 2010 to 2016 the Saints had a top 6 offense seven times and a bottom 6 defense four times.

So far in 2017? Yep. Their offense is ranked 3rd and their defense is ranked 32nd. With Drew Brees likely to become a free agent next year, most feel it’s about that time to make a change at the head coaching position as well. Thus begs the question. If Bears GM Ryan Pace fires Fox after this season, would he pounce on the chance to get Payton?

The connections between Payton and Chicago are too many to count

It’s not hard to find logic in the move from the start. Payton is a Super Bowl champion head coach. That alone lifts his star power. He’s only 53-years old. Andy Reid was 55 when he got his second team with the Kansas City Chiefs. Also there’s the fact that Payton went to Naperville High School and is an Eastern Illinois graduate who actually played for a short stint with the Bears in 1987. It would basically be like a homecoming for him.

Then there’s the reputation he brings as a quarterback whisperer. The effect he’s had on the career of Drew Brees is well-known at this point. Brees was a Pro Bowler in San Diego, but he became a Hall of Famer under the guidance of Payton. He also got the best years out of Kerry Collins and was instrumental to the signing and developing of Tony Romo in Dallas. The guy knows the position. So no doubt the idea of him inheriting Mitch Trubisky is easy to envision.

Then there’s the personal connection with Pace himself. The two spent eight years together from 2006 to 2014 when Pace was a scout and then personnel director with the Saints. Payton said he’d miss Pace after he left for Chicago. The two always got along.

Bears roster is constructed to run Payton-type offense

The allure of the Chicago offense for Payton goes beyond Trubisky though. If one were to break down the personnel structure, they’d see Pace flat-out stole the design from what the Saints have done for years with Payton. There’s the two-back combination of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, who are spitting images of Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles. Adam Shaheen is that big, athletic tight end like Jimmy Graham. The offensive line is built from the inside out with strong guard and center play. The only thing missing is quality wide receivers at this point.

It’s a depth chart made for someone like Payton. Thus the question must be asked again. If he becomes available in 2018, would Pace make that phone call or are the concerns about the defensive shortcomings too much? It will make for a fascinating subplot in the months to come.