Chicago Bears 2018 Mock Offseason: The Big Push
By Erik Lambert
As the 2017 season goes on, something is becoming clear. The Chicago Bears are reaching a point where they are one more push away from playoff contention.
For the first time in years they have a young core of players in place who have star power. One more rush of talent should clean up their few remain roster holes. The big question mark is what will they do with the coaching staff. Is John Fox safe or will there be changes there too? Only the next eight games on the schedule will determine that. Well that and the play of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, whom GM Ryan Pace views as the future of the franchise.
Most see the success Los Angeles and Philadelphia are having. It stands to reason they might try to duplicate those results with a change of their own. Hopefully to somebody who can get Trubisky pointed in the right direction. That and more will be covered in this first complete Bears mock offseason.
Coaching Changes
Head coach: Frank Reich
There is no hotter team in the NFL right now than the Philadelphia Eagles, led by star quarterback Carson Wentz. The man calling the shots for that offense is Frank Reich. Arguably the greatest backup QB of all-time, Reich has built a successful legacy around that position. Philip Rivers had two Pro Bowl-caliber seasons under his watch. Wentz is becoming a star. Reich not only understands how to be successful at quarterback in the NFL, he’s also known for being a motivational speaker. So communication is a strength, and that’s vital for a head coach.
Offensive coordinator: James Urban
Urban is one of the best-kept secrets in the NFL. He’s spent the last seven seasons coaching the wide receivers for the Cincinnati Bengals and doing a stellar job of it. A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, and Marvin Jones are among his big success stories. Prior to that he was quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2010, during which Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick went to Pro Bowls. Word is the Bengals players lobbied the team to make Urban offensive coordinator after Ken Zampese was fired. He’s proven he is ready for that next step.
Defensive coordinator: Chuck Pagano
Nothing is guaranteed yet but it feels like the Indianapolis Colts might be making a change at head coach in 2018. If that’s the case Chuck Pagano won’t be unemployed for long. He has a long, productive career as a defensive assistant coach. His secondaries were all excellent in Cleveland, Oakland and Baltimore from 2001 to 2010. Then in 2011 he coordinator the #3 defense in the NFL for the Ravens. The man is a motivator with an attention to detail and high competitive streak. What he’s been able to get out of what is frankly a weak roster in Indianapolis should be applauded.