Chicago Bears: Meet the Red Hot Offensive Coach Creating Buzz

Are the Chicago Bears going to fire John Fox at the end of the season? Only one person can answer that question and it’s Ryan Pace.

Most sources seem to think the 40-year old GM isn’t going anywhere. The success of the young roster he’s put together on the field, particularly on defense seems to have secured his spot in charge for the time being. The same cannot be said for Fox. It was rumors that the veteran head coach was on thin ice after the 2016 season due in large part to the 3-13 finish. In the end the team decided to maintain the status quo for one more year. See if he could turn things around.

Thus far that choice has had mixed results. Chicago already has the same number of wins as last year but they’re on course to finish 6-10. That’s the same record Fox had his first year on the job. Not exactly what one would call a considerable improvement. It’s led to rampant speculation that Pace may seek to hire a second coach. One who can help make good on his sizable investment in quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

John Morton becoming the hot name among offensive specialists

If that’s the case he’s almost certain to seek out the top assistant coaches around the league who have an offensive background. Exactly how the New Orleans Saints did it in 2006 back when he was with them. Most would assume the typical names will come up in the conversation:  Josh McDaniels of the Patriots, Todd Haley of the Steelers, Frank Reich of the Eagles and Scott Linehan of the Cowboys. However, it seems there is a new kid on the block who is rapidly gaining steam.

It’s John Morton, offensive coordinator of the New York Jets. NFL insider Benjamin Allbright and other have said Morton is one of the hot names in league circles right now and it’s not hard to see one. Understand that the Jets offense features a 38-year old journeyman backup as starter in Josh McCown and receiving targets like Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse. McCown is completing over 70% of his passes with 13 touchdown, seven interceptions and a 96.1 quarterback rating. The Jets are 4-5, which is fascinating since most picked them to be the worst team in the NFL.

What would the Bears be getting?

Morton is 48-years old, right in that prime territory to become a head coach. He also has a track record of success going back a decade. He was a wide receiver as a player, spending time in both the NFL, CFL and NFL Europe. After logging a few years as an assistant coach, he was hired by USC to run their receiving group and then became their offensive coordinator in 2009. Under his direction the team went from 49th his first year to 28th his second. That was the first sign he knew what he was doing.

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This year he took a Jets offense that ranked 30th in scoring in 2016 to 18th despite having what many felt was less talent. Getting more from less is a trademark of a good coach. Morton has been exposed to coaches like Mike Holmgren, Tom Coughlin, Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh over his long career. That’s a solid mix of offensive minds who’ve had success at the highest level in the NFL. He may not be the superstar name Kyle Shanahan was a year ago, but he’s quietly climbed the ladder to a point where he’s earned an opportunity.