5 candidates to replace Matt Nagy as Bears head coach

2. Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator

Until he makes the move, McDaniels will be an annual candidate to get another shot as a head coach. The residue of his leaving the Indianapolis Colts at the alter a couple years ago should be gone, and he’s had to work with a quarterback other than Tom Brady this year for the first time in practically forever.

With a lack of credible passing game weapons, New England’s offensive shortcomings thus far don’t fall firmly on McDaniels just yet. Prior to the Patriots eventually signing Cam Newton, it was out there McDaniels was not a particular fan of the former MVP when he interviewed with the Panthers.

McDaniels can and should be choosy in where he goes to take a head coaching job. But if this season ends on the path it seems to be going down for the Patriots, as in not making the playoffs, teams won’t have to wait to interview him as they’ve had to in the past. That will open up his options, for better (Houston Texans?) or worse (New York Jets).

McDaniels has surely learned from his failed tenure as Denver Broncos’ head coach way back when (2009-2010), and he’s still only 44 years old. As the Bears consider their options to replace Nagy, perhaps starting now, McDaniels has to be prominent on the list.