The job status of John Fox has been wide open to speculation the past couple weeks. Losses to the Packers, Eagles and 49ers have not only shed a bad light on the veteran head coach, but also ensured a fourth-straight losing season for the franchise. The
Chicago Bears have not gotten better under his watch. Younger? Maybe more talented? Sure. Yet a string of poor coaching performances, along with rampant injuries have derailed 2017 for them.
In spite of all that though people remain uncertain on his future. Four games remain in the regular season. Despite the losing, and the prospect of a second-straight 3-13 finish, Fox remains employed by the Bears. Could this possibly mean they are considering giving him another chance? In essence let Fox play out his contract to see if he can finish the rebuild.
Top NFL insider Ian Rapoport was posed that exact question. The information he's gather seems to offer a clear indication of what to expect.
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John Fox likely to finish the season before being released
In essence Rapoport is confirming that little short of a miracle can save Fox at this point. Odds favor the Bears having a totally new coaching staff come January of next year. I asked around about it too. One source close to the organization in fact told me that the team brass has already met with him on the matter.
"Bears are doing the classy thing and informing him beforehand that he will finish the season and will be gone."
If true this means the team is giving Fox and the staff advanced notice in order to make personal preparations. At the same time it's also presented as their opportunity to audition for other teams when they become available after the new year. Getting a couple good performances from their players in that time would be a good look for them.
As to the future of Fox, that is shrouded in mystery. He'll be 62 in 2018 and coming off his biggest failure as a coach in three decades. Unless he's willing to become a coordinator, the chances are strong he may be forced to retire. A sad end to an otherwise great career. Meanwhile GM Ryan Pace will then be the one under the microscope.
Can he find the head coach this team desperately needs? If he can't, he'll be the next one on the chopping block before too long.
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