No matter the outcome, fans cannot say that the Chicago Bears left stones unturned during this head coach hiring cycle. We have seen more coaches brought in virtually for a first round of interviews than we have ever seen before. It will be interesting to see how many actually receive second interviews and how many were either part of a fact-finding mission for potential coordinators or just favors to friends and agents to keep coaches' names in the spotlight.
Either way, there are two recent developements that occured this past week that prove the Chicago Bears are doing things differently this time. Outside of the fact that the team has interviewed 20+ candidates, the Bears have allowed some leaks this week that show the team is making changes -- or at least appearing so.
First Development: ESPN article about agent representation
In a recent article by Kalyn Kahler at ESPN, it was revealed that the current dynamic with the head coaching and general manager hiring circles was basically run by only six agents -- Trace Armstrong being one of them. The article dives into the depths of some of the background that took place with both the Ryan Pace/Matt Nagy pairing and the Ryan Poles/Matt Eberflus hiring. Former Chicago Bears defensive end Trace Armstrong was their agent, along with Shane Waldron, Luke Getsy, and Matt Helfrich. The fact that the McCaskeys (and Bill Polian) allowed this to happen is ridiculous.
However, looking at this information and then seeing how things have changed this go-around should make fans feel a little more confident. Why would a team keep going back to the well that fails them? Is this a shift in strategy by new President Kevin Warren, or does Ryan Poles want to get the hiring right this time after being strapped to Eberflus last time? Maybe, just maybe the McCaskeys are finally sick of losing and want to do something differently this time.
By leaking the background that was used to start this lengthy article, it puts the Bears' organization on notice but deep down it's for a good reason. It shows that they are doing things differently and learning from their past mistakes. Will they get things right this time? Well, only time will tell on that one but it's definitely a start in the right direction.
Second Development: Chicago Bears trade inquiry for Mike Tomlin
In a more recent development, Adam Schefter revealed that the Chicago Bears inquired if the Pittsburgh Steelers have any interest in trading Mike Tomlin. The request was immediately turned down by the Steelers, but that shouldn't be a surprise. Some fans on social media seemed frustrated with the idea of the Bears looking to move draft capital for a head coach who hasn't won a playoff game in nearly 10 years. Others don't like the idea of the team inquiring about a defensive-minded coach.
The thing is, I don't believe that Chicago would ever go through with something like this, but it should get fans excited. Why? Well, it once again shows that the team is doing things differently this time. Looking to see if a coach like Mike Tomlin, who hasn't had a losing season in his career, is available shows you the team truly wants change. However, this isn't what fans should be most excited about.
The two things that should get fans excited by hearing this news are that if the Chicago Bears are looking into Mike Tomlin, then they might also be looking into others. What if they found a way to trade for Sean McVay? How about Kyle Shanahan? Second, if the Bears are willing to make a move for Mike Tomlin, then they are truly saying money and resources aren't an issue. Tomlin has an estimated annual salary of $16 million -- making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL.
Making drastic changes to your hiring strategies and leaking information that you are willing to pay or do whatever it takes to win should make any Chicago Bears fan happy.