The Chicago Bears introduced new head coach John Fox to the media Monday. The former Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers head man discussed his optimism for the Bears but didn't offer much on the future of quarterback Jay Cutler.
John Fox stays mum about Jay Cutler’s future with the Bears
The former Broncos head coach still hasn’t made decisions on his coaching staff or met with quarterback Jay Cutler.
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After having Peyton Manning as his quarterback for three seasons in Denver, it's hardly surprisingly that Fox said his favorite kind of quarterback is one who wins. But Cutler struggled with turnovers and poor decision-making during the Bears' 5-11 season, and he was even the subject of trade rumors despite signing a massive contract last year. Fox mostly remained mum on Cutler, but he did say that he received a text from the quarterback welcoming him to Chicago. Fox responded, "It's only fun when we win and we will" and also added "We're going to start that relationship and that process. Doesn't matter what player here."
Fox also discussed the relationship between a head coach and a general manager, calling it “perhaps the most important relationship in the building.” Despite a 46-18 record in his four seasons with the Broncos, Fox parted ways with the team partially because he was often at odds with general manager John Elway. In Chicago, he’ll work with first-time general manager Ryan Pace, who was hired by the Bears two weeks ago.
Fox was noncommittal about retaining any of the remaining assistant coaches from Marc Trestman's former staff. He met with all but two of them on Saturday and but said he expects to complete those meetings shortly. Fox reached out to Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter about filling the Bears' vacant offensive coordinator position, but according to Ian Rapoport, the Lions blocked the interview.
Fox concluded his press conference by expressing the importance of reaching out to former coaches and players, in particular former Bears coach Mike Ditka and estranged former All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher.
"I'm going to reach out to Mike Ditka." -- #Bears coach John Fox on connecting with ex players, ex coaches.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) January 19, 2015 Fox talking about Urlacher when he said "I know Brian. We're going to make things right with him."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 19, 2015 Urlacher has been a divisive topic in Chicago since his bitter departure after the 2012 season. However, Fox appears ready and willing to bring the future Hall of Famer back into the fold.
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