I think we can safely say that the Bears are done expanding their list of head coaching candidates and will in fact, be narrowing the field and bringing in their candidates to Halas Hall for second interviews this week. Since the list is so expansive, I figured I’d do a little Power Rankings for the candidates as I see them.
Bruce Arians
– it’s not often that a Coach of the Year candidate is available on the open market. Arians led the
Dec 30 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians watches warm ups before the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2011 doormat Colts to a 9-3 record while Chuck Pagano underwent cancer treatment. He’s worked with Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning. That’s pretty good company.
Mike McCoy – he’s ‘the hot coordinator’ on the list after what he’s done with Broncos offense over the last few years. You go from Kyle Orton to Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning and have success with all. Phil Emery wants someone who can adpapt to the talent he’s given. Sounds about right to me.
Marc Trestman – Jimmy Johnson’s tweet probably moved him up the list a few notches, but make no mistake, Trestman is a legit candidate. He turned Rich Ganon into NFL MVP. If that isn’t enough to make a case, I don’t know what will.
Mike Sullivan – he’s my darkhorse candidate. Besides his work with Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Bucs, he’s been instrumental in the development of Eli Manning. He’s got a military background, which will appeal to Emery and he knows Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so he’s got that going for him.
Oct 9, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans offensive coordinator coach Rick Dennison during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Dennison – Uncle Rico is the Jay Cutler pick. If Emery wants to continue to build the team in deference to his QB, this is the guy. I’d love to see him bring that zone blocking scheme and those stretch run plays from Denver and now Houston to the Bears offense.
Tom Clements – the Bears get to add a talented offensive coordintaor and QB guru who’s worked with Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre while weakening the division rival Green Bay Packers. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Dave Toub – in-house guy whose special teams units have consistently been among the best in the league. He is the change without really changing all that much guy.
Pete Carmichael – he never really called plays for the New Orleans Saints before this season. Drew Brees and Sean Payton can make a lot of people look better than they are.
Darrell Bevell – from what I’ve heard, the folks in Seattle were chasing him out of town in Septemer and now he’s suddenly the coordinator du jour. I’m still not convinced the read-option is legit. Seems like the 2012 version of the Wildcat.
Mike Priefer – his candidacy might have gotten lost when Singletary’s name came up. If you’re connecting the dots, Priefer and Emery spent time at the Naval Academy and we all know how Emery feels about his days as strength and conditioning coach there. Priefer is widely respected around the league as an up-and-comer.
Joe DeCamillis – DeCamillis is known as a rah-rah hardass type. I’m not sure that’s what the Bears need right now.
Keith Armstrong – he gets knocked down a few pegs since his Falcons are still in the playoffs and I want this coaching search to be over with.
Mike Singletary – just look what the Niners have done since he left. This is not a pants-optional position.
What do you think? How do you rank the candidates? Who would you like to see the Bears hire? Let’s see
