Chicago Bears Rumors: Latest on Ryan Day possibly replacing Matt Nagy
By Ryan Heckman
For weeks now, there have been rumblings around Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy and just how much longer he will survive.
At one point, it seemed inevitable that Nagy would not make it past the Thanksgiving Day game against the Detroit Lions. A pretty damning report made that seem all but set in stone. Yet, Nagy survived and the reports were squashed.
Still, most feel that Nagy will be fired by season’s end — at the very latest. He has seen enough chances in four years, and it is likely time for even bigger changes in Chicago. Not just the head coach position, but higher than that — the Bears could be in for enormous moves.
When Nagy is ultimately fired, there are a few candidates that make sense. One candidate, in particular, has the approval of many Bears fans: Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
Rumors have swirled about Ohio State head coach Ryan Day going to the NFL, and the Chicago Bears are among landing spots.
Bears fans have often chatted on social media about bringing Day to Chicago, replacing Nagy. While there are certainly rumors, it seems as though the coach is pretty content staying where he is at.
There is an obvious connection with Day and the Bears. Day coached Justin Fields in college and knows him well. He knows Fields’ tendencies and how to build an offense around him. While Day has done well during his time at Ohio State, one never knows how a college coach will translate at the NFL level.
The Bears would be taking a chance if they tried to lure Day from Ohio State. He would bring many positives and familiarity with Fields, but college coaches are unpredictable when making the big leap.
Aside from Day, other candidates include Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, among others.
There are flaws and/or question marks with each and every one of the major candidates out there, those three included. The Bears have to be extremely careful when replacing Nagy, and they would be better off waiting until Ryan Pace is either fired or moved to a different role before hiring their next coach.
Cohesiveness has to be at the forefront of the Bears’ process right now. They need to find someone who is capable of making football decisions, first and foremost. Then, that particular individual can go out and make the correct hire at head coach.
Will the Bears be able to lure Day from the college game? As of right now, it doesn’t look likely. But, we have all heard plenty of college coaches say similar things as Day, just before they make a move elsewhere.