Chicago Bears OC Search: Latest Rumors, Speculation on Vacant Position

Adam WellsJan 16, 2015

With the Chicago Bears coaching staff undergoing dramatic changes this offseason, one of the key jobs to be filled is offensive coordinator because they will work directly with quarterback Jay Cutler. The search has concluded with John Fox and the Bears bringing in former Broncos coach Adam Gase as their new offensive coordinator.

Continue for updates.

Gase Hired as Bears OC

Wednesday, Jan. 21

The Bears have reached an agreement with Adam Gase to become their offensive coordinator, the team announced on Twitter:

Ian Rapoport first reported the news and added that it is a three-year deal.

Rapoport previously reported the team would interview Gase Wednesday, suggesting things "could move very quickly."

That proved to be true now that both sides have agreed to a deal.

Colts Block Teams' Interview Requests for Chudzkinski

Wednesday, Jan. 21

The Colts have blocked special assistant Rob Chudzinski from interviewing with other organizations, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

As Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted, however, Chudzinski's contract is up soon, which will enable him to interview with other teams should he choose to in the near future:

The Bears requested to interview Chudzinski for their offensive coordinator vacancy on Jan. 19, as Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Chudzinski, 46, has previous experience as an offensive coordinator and was the Browns head coach in 2013, going 4-12 in his only stint.

Bears Denied Permission to Interview Jim Bob Cooter, Mike Mularkey

Monday, Jan. 19

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the Bears requested to interview Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter, only to have their request denied.

On Saturday, Jan. 17 Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears were denied permission to speak to Tennessee Titans assistant Mike Mularkey.

Bears Begin Search for Offensive Coordinator

Friday, Jan. 16

Bob LeGere of The Daily Herald indicated the favorite for Chicago's vacant offensive coordinator position seems to be Kyle Shanahan:

NFL writer Dan Pompei echoed LeGere's sentiments, while also offering a possible reason for why Shanahan would fit with the Bears:

The Bears announced the hiring of John Fox as their next head coach on Friday, via the team's official Twitter:

It's an understandable hire given Fox's background as a defensive coach, which has been a problem area for this team over the last two years, but finding the right offensive mind is also critical to the Bears getting back in playoff contention.

Shanahan spent 2014 as the offensive coordinator in Cleveland. He found success early in the year with Brian Hoyer under center, but things came crashing down late in the season. It's not fair to blame the coordinator for that, as Hoyer didn't have an extensive history as a starting quarterback.

Cutler remains a frustrating enigma, despite having tremendous talent at the skill positions like Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall to throw at. The next coordinator will likely need a strong track record of working with quarterbacks, or at least being able to accentuate the positives of a unit while hiding the weaknesses.

If you want to talk sports, hit me up on Twitter.