Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace said he was seeking a head coach who possessed confidence, charisma, discipline and leadership. Today, the Chicago Bears filled the all-important position with John Fox who the Bears report boasts all of those attributes.
John Fox will become the 15th head coach in franchise history. Fox, who will turn 60 in February, has compiled a 119-89 record in 13 NFL seasons as head coach of the Carolina Panthers (2002-10) and Denver Broncos (2011-14), making seven playoff appearances, winning six division titles and reaching two Super Bowls.
Fox mutually agreed to part ways with the Broncos Monday, one day after a 24-13 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC divisional playoffs.
After taking over the Denver Broncos that finished in last place with a 4-12 record in 2010, Fox led the Broncos to AFC West titles in all four of his seasons as coach with an impressive 46-18 record.
With the Panther as his first head coach assignment in the NFL, he transformed a team that went 1-15 in 2001, to a 7-9 record in 2002, to an 11-5 record and the Super Bowl in 2003, where they lost to the Patriots 32-29.
Fox began his NFL career as defensive backs coach on Chuck Noll’s staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1989-91. He was also defensive backs coach with the San Diego Chargers (1992-93). Fox worked as defensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders (1994-95), and was a personnel consultant with the Rams (1996). He was defensive coordinator with the New York Giants (1997-2001) before joining the Panthers.
Fox was one of six candidates to interview for the head-coaching job. The others were former Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles (who has since been hired as Jets head coach), former Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Fox replaces former Chicago Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman, who was fired Dec. 29 after last season’s 5-11 record.
JUST IN: John Fox is the new head coach of the Chicago Bearsl, sources told ESPN. http://t.co/lws1zxUAmW pic.twitter.com/FACzmrNYZl
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) January 16, 2015
The Chicago Bears have hired John Fox as their new head coach http://t.co/Xh8D3mKRaw pic.twitter.com/wRvfnqW0fL
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 16, 2015
#Bears hire John Fox, agree to four-year deal, per @JayGlazer.
http://t.co/APXy5PpvJO pic.twitter.com/3ozy71XPI0
— FOX Sports Live (@FOXSportsLive) January 16, 2015
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