The Chicago Bears have suffered a disappointing 2014 campaign and ownership believes it is time for a change. Head coach Marc Trestman seems to be on his way out sooner rather than later after posting a 5-9 record this season. The Bears have also been public about replacing defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Tucker’s departure felt mercurial when the Bears defense allowed a combined 106 points in weeks 8 and 10, while having a bye week 9. General Manager Phil Emery may also be on the hot seat after handing out a horrendous contract to Jay Cutler which will guarantee him 54 million over 7 years on his extension, which was signed back in January. As for Trestman is concerned he will most likely land an offensive coordinator or quarterback coaching job next season.
One likely candidate for the Bears to consider is Mike Shanahan. Shanahan would be a great hire via his prior success with Jay Cutler during their Denver days from 2006-2008. Cutler posted a career high in yards back in 2008 with 4,526 under the Shanahan regime. The Bears are more likely to look for an offensive minded coach with the hope that they can fix Jay Cutler. Those candidates would include Pat Shurmur, Darrell Bevell, Hue Jackson, Josh McDaniels, Greg Roman, Kyle Shanahan, and Gary Kubiak. 49ners head coach Jim Harbaugh could be another possibility, as he is likely to be seeking another job. Harbaugh prefers to remain in the NFC so he can avoid facing brother John as much as possible.
As of today the Chicago Bears would hold the number nine overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. They would also have a projected 28 million in cap space for 2015 carrying the ability to sign talented free agents including Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, Pernell McPhee, and Tramon Williams. With Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffery in the fold, the Bears are unlikely to inquire on offensive free agents. Look for Chicago to try to make a huge splash this offseason especially with the recent activity of the cities baseball teams. The White Sox and Cubs have both been busy. The Northern Cubs added ace Jon Lester, while the South residing White Sox added Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson. The Bears finish off the season with match ups against Detroit and Minnesota. If there is a bright side for the cities beloved Bears the last time the team drafted a defensive player inside the top ten he turned out to be Brian Urlacher. Urlacher was selected ninth overall back in the year 2000, and is considered to be a hall of fame inside linebacker.
