Remember, remember, it’s only the fifth of November. But according to one NFL insider, the Chicago Bears are already lining up potential candidates to succeed Matt Nagy. At the top of the list? Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright joined Jon Zaghoul on Sports Talk Chicago this week and says the Bears are getting a list together of potential head coaching candidates they would like to interview, even though Nagy still has a job.
Allbright says Nagy is “100 percent” fired at the end of the season though.
“From my conversations with people, the [Bears] have already started doing backgrounds on potential replacements,” Allbright told Zaghoul. “I’ll say Brian Daboll would be the leader in the clubhouse.”
NEWS: @AllbrightNFL reveals that #DaBears have begun to gather information on HC replacements for #MattNagy.
Plus, Benjamin gives an in-depth evaluation of #JustinFields!
📺: @vpodtvcentral 59.3 and Roku at 10:30pm CT
🎙: AM 1530 @WCKGChicago
🎥: https://t.co/7O04sdCYj5 pic.twitter.com/mfgtTiQjmf
— Jon Zaghloul (@JonZSports) November 4, 2021
The report that the Bears are already getting names together for if/when Nagy is fired isn’t all that surprising, but is welcoming news. Regardless if a change is made or not, the team should have a short list put together for potential interviews when that time eventually comes.
It’s also notable that Allbright mentioned Daboll as the top name in mind. Two weeks ago, he tweeted a similar claim that the longtime coach would likely be the Bears’ top choice if a change were to be made.
I didn’t say that was the whole list, I just said the shortlist started there.
Daboll will have multiple teams after him Chicago is probably the leader in the clubhouse. Moore has no HC experience and no ties to anyone in the building. Doesn’t mean he won’t, just long shot.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 14, 2021
Daboll has coaches various positions with multiple NFL and college teams over the last 20 years, including stints with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Alabama Crimson Tide, and now with the Bills. He’s currently coordinating the top scoring offense in the NFL with MVP-candidate Josh Allen and has been with the team since the 2018 season.
His offenses with Buffalo have ascended in each consecutive year, as well Allen’s development from a project quarterback into a superstar. Last season, the Bills finished with a top-five offense in nearly every statistical category as they captured the NFC East division for the first time since 1995 with a 13-3 record.
Daboll is an excellent offensive coordinator, but would he be an effective NFL head coach? Allbright seems to think so.
“I’ve spoken with coach Daboll a few times, he’s a nice guy…I believe in him,” he said. “I think he’s probably the best hire in this coming offseason.”
Allbright also mentioned the Bears could give an interview to Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator and former Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph, but maintains his belief that Daboll would be their top choice.
There’s still half a season to go and nothing is truly certain in the NFL, but perhaps the Bears make a quick work of their head coaching decision this winter.
