After three straight seasons in which Chicago Bears ended up on the last place of NFC North, the team has decided to fire head coach John Fox. The decision was announced on Monday.
John Fox has been informed by Ryan Pace that he will not return as our head coach in 2018.
📰: https://t.co/jqdoLRVSYQ pic.twitter.com/YsisjOCkNV
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 1, 2018
“Thank you to all the players, coaches, the city of Chicago and Bears fans everywhere, your passion for the game and this team is unmatched in the NFL,” – said Fox in a statement. “Today is the tough part of our results-oriented business but I wish the Bears organization the best for years to come.“
Fox was hired by the Bears in January 2015 and compiled a 14-34 record. Previously, he worked as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers (2002–2010) and Denver Broncos (2011–2014). Fox was particularly successful with the Broncos, leading them to four straight division titles and one Super Bowl appearance. Unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate the success with the Bears and is leaving the franchise with the second lowest win percentage in franchise history. Despite this, the players are sad to see him go.
“What I do know about Fox is that he’s a great, passionate coach who didn’t give up on us and didn’t quit on us,” – said Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara. “One thing we did appreciate about him is he always pointed the thumb and not the finger, so he takes all blame and we love him and I know guys are going to miss him.”
Although they will seek a new coach, the team is sticking with general manager Ryan Pace, who signed a contract extension just hours after Fox was fired. Pace will now be tasked with finding a new coach, and it appears that he already has a list of names. He stated that the Bears are looking for the best coach available for their talented young squad and that the team will take time with the process.
