The Chicago Bears have never fired a head coach during an active season. Even after a disappointing year, it seems the Bears plan to stick by their traditions with Matt Nagy. But while he will remain in Chicago for now, his fate with the franchise is likely sealed.
Reports surfaced before Thanksgiving that the Bears were prepared to fire Nagy, moving on from him regardless of how the team performed against the Detroit Lions. But the front office quickly shut down any speculation of an in-season coaching change and Nagy has remained in place amid questions regarding his future.
- Matt Nagy coaching record: 33-30
Things started out promising for the former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator. He won NFL Coach of the Year in 2018, with Chicago winning 12 games in his first season. But the Bears have fallen ever since, with the 2021 season doing down as one of the worst in recent memory.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears are expected to move on from Nagy after Week 18 with the search for a new head coach beginning immediately after he is fired.
Many thought new NFL rules would have pushed Nagy out the door sooner. Teams with coaching vacancies are allowed to begin conducting interviews after Week 16, which the Jacksonville Jaguars did this past week. But Chicago has emphasized doing right by Nagy, letting him finish out the season.
Once Nagy is fired, the Bears’ job will become coveted by top offensive minds around the NFL. An opportunity to coach quarterback Justin Fields in a big market with the resources to build a contender is very appealing. Of course, there will also be plenty of interest if general manager Ryan Pace is also shown the door.
