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NFL 2015: How will the first-year coaches perform?

By Matt Verderame

Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox speaks during a press conference at Mugs Halas Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox speaks during a press conference at Mugs Halas Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

John Fox – Chicago Bears

Not too many coaches get fired off a 12-4 campaign that resulted in a third straight divisional title, but John Fox found himself in that boat the day after losing to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round. Fox coached the Denver Broncos for three years and led them into the postseason all three years while reaching the Super Bowl in 2013.

However, Fox lost his job and immediately moved onto the Chicago Bears, his third team as a head coach. So why is Fox in such a great situation? He has an offense to work with and from all accounts, a bright young mind in general manager Ryan Pace. The Bears certainly need to get better defensively, but the aerial display could be in full effect on offense with first-round pick, receiver Kevin White, joining forces with Alshon Jeffery and tight end Martellus Bennett. Add in running back Matt Forte and an improving offensive line led by Kyle Long, and things are looking up.

Fox is also replacing one of the most disliked head coaches in franchise history, Marc Trestman. Trestman was an absolute disaster with the Bears during his two years, missing the playoffs both times and losing his last six games in 2014 to finish 5-11. Even worse, it appears the team had quit on him, being blown out on national television numerous times.

Fox is not expected to make Chicago a winner right away. The defense is still in need of upgrades and quarterback Jay Cutler doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer. If Chicago can get near .500 and show some life on both sides of the ball, Fox will be hailed as a conquering hero around Soldier Field.

Next: Going out to the Bay Area?

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