Criticized Bears Tactic Was Actually Crucial To Locking Up Matt Nagy

The Chicago Bears tactic for their head coaching search was a unique one. GM Ryan Pace knew one thing about the process. The sooner he could find his head coach of choice, the sooner the team could move on to building a strong staff and getting started on free agency and the draft. Every moment counts this time of year. So the team had a creative idea. Rather than conduct multiple interviews with top candidates, a common trend around the league, they'd streamline it. This was done by making sure Pace, team president Ted Phillips and chairman George McCaskey were present at every interview. Normally Phillips and McCaskey would've waited until a second meeting. Instead, the idea was to get everyone in the room right away and let impressions be made by all. Once Pace found a guy he liked, Phillips and McCaskey would already have an idea of who they'd be getting. No need to waste time with a second interview. It's a cunning tactic, and one the Bears got lambasted for. Many felt it was foolish to involve Phillips or McCaskey in the process at all. The last time that happened this team ended up with John Fox. Just let Pace do his job. Except as it turns out this strategy may have been crucial to their success is securing Matt Nagy.

Chicago Bears tactic to include top brass got the drop on Colts for Nagy

As it turns out the Bears were up against the clock with Nagy. According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, there was a strong feeling that the Indianapolis Colts were ready to bring him in. The one advantage the Bears had was Indy had not yet offered him the job. Team owner Jim Irsay had not yet gotten involved with the interviews. This enabled the Bears' decision to involve Phillips and McCaskey right away to work wonders.

"The Bears were criticized for involving McCaskey and Phillips in the search, but their participation allowed Pace to act quickly once he made his choice.

For Pace, that happened during a private dinner with Nagy and their wives after their morning interview. It also took place after the Colts had met with Nagy.

Because Ballard had worked with Nagy in Kansas City, the Bears sensed they had to act fast if Nagy emerged as their favorite.

The Colts’ search was different. Owner Jim Irsay reportedly wasn’t involved until their second interview with McDaniels, which took place during the week off before the Super Bowl."

This means the Bears not only got their guy but also avoided the eventual debacle with Josh McDaniels. Word is he was high on their list but they wanted Nagy more. If the Colts had been able to secure him, it might've been the Bears who got pantsed by McDaniels instead. People can criticize Phillips and McCaskey all day. Plenty of it would be valid. However, their immediate involvement in the interview process was the right call by Pace.