Chicago Bears: 5 head coaching candidates

4. Matt Patricia

At only 43-years old, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has worked his way up from the trenches to one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates this offseason. Patricia has been with the Patriots organization since 2004 while leading the defense since 2012. While much of the attention is always focused on the offensive side of the ball with Belichick and Brady, Patricia has quietly been a solid defensive coordinator over the years.

We could see close to double-digit coaches fired this offseason and not many will be recycled. That means coordinators will be the next big candidates for coaching jobs and Patricia is included in that list. He’s spent the majority of his coaching career under Bill Belichick and that’s enough to put on the resume itself. Much like we saw Jimmy Garoppolo sit behind Tom Brady before being traded to the 49ers, Patricia is in the same boat. He’s like a backup quarterback who now has the tools to be the leader of an NFL team.

The Bears need help on the offensive side of the ball but that doesn’t mean they necessarily need an offensive-minded head coach. Offensive coordinators are just as important and Patricia knows he’s not as great of an offensive mind as he is with defense. That being said, Patricia inherits a defense with plenty of young and exciting talent. Leonard Floyd is primed to be a monster off the edge and rookie free safety Eddie Jackson has been fantastic for a fourth-round pick. These are just a few of the names and Patricia hasn’t always had the most talent with him in New England.

Patricia is going to be a shot to be a head coach this offseason and you can bet the Bears will pursue him.