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Chicago Bears head coach search a couple weeks ago went fairly quick. They interviewed a set list of candidates once and then made the decision to go with Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. The fact he went last may or may not have had something to do with that. Regardless he proved to be the choice and the Bears are happy with it.
That being said was the list that came out from top NFL insiders complete? There were some rumors that the Bears may have slipped one or two candidates in for interviews that people didn't hear about. This either because it was just an oversight or perhaps because the candidate preferred it be kept quiet.
The people over at Roster Watch, part of Sirius NFL XM radio, believe that may have been the case for Chicago. They indicated that Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly may be looking for an exit from South Bend. His eyes are on the NFL and it seems the Bears job was something he had interest in.
Chicago Bears head coach buzz did hint a "college name"
A couple weeks back a source did inform me that the Bears were talking to an unknown "college coach" about the job. At the time the assumptions were it could be Jim Harbaugh of Michigan or David Shaw from Stanford. Both are considered among the favorites to make an NFL jump sooner than later. However no knew information came of it. This revelation about Kelly would seem to confirm that original rumor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETB85s-gkec
Kelly has been head coach for Notre Dame since 2010. In that time he's posted a 69-34 record that includes four bowl victories and a national championship berth. His team rebounded this past season with a 10-3 record after a disappointing 4-8 mark the year before. Nonetheless the pressure is always high to achieve at that school. Kelly may be growing tired of it and want a new challenge elsewhere.
What's interesting is the Bears were able to secure arguably Kelly's best assistant in offensive line coach Harry Hiestand for Nagy's staff. Up until then most had considered Hiestand untouchable. This might offer an idea that even the other coaches there can sense Kelly won't be around much longer.
In the end it's probably best the Bears didn't explore that route too strongly. Kelly is 56-years old and has never coached in the NFL. He's also steeped heavily in a defensive background. It's unlikely he would've provided the necessary knowledge and experience to help make quarterback Mitch Trubisky a success.
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