Chicago Bears Stock Report: Head coaching candidates to replace Matt Nagy

Chicago Bears Head Coach Candidate: Joe Brady – Stock Down

Being an NFL coach is hard. This is true of all coaching levels and not just the head coach. Joe Brady’s stock was on the rise at the beginning of the season when it appeared the Panthers made the right choice in trading for Sam Darnold. Many thought Darnold’s struggles were due to being in Adam Gase’s crazy world. At first, it seemed to be true, but then the wheels fell off.

Carolina went 3-1 in the first four games and even in the loss, Darnold had a very solid game statistically. The team scored 28 points but gave up 36 to the Cowboys. In those first four games, Darnold threw for over 300 yards three times. He had five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. He had also only thrown three interceptions — something he has struggled with his whole career. Brady was a hot commodity when people speculated about the next great coach.

It was unfortunately very short-lived as Darnold only had one other game with a QB rating over 58.0. Over Darnold’s next five games (before he was hurt and put on injured reserve), he threw eight more interceptions, while only scoring two. I think it’s time to admit that Darnold is a bust in the NFL.

How much blame then goes on Joe Brady and his offense vs not having a competent quarterback? I think that Brady is better than he is given credit right now, but his stock has definitely dropped seeing the Panthers already fired him. Don’t feel bad though. Opportunities in the college game will be there for him if no one wants to touch him again in the NFL. Brady is no longer in my top five and is falling fast as I keep falling in love with other candidates.