Jim Caldwell Reportedly Gaining Steam For Bears Head Coaching Job

The Chicago Bears have made it seem like they’re nowhere close to making a decision in regards to their head coaching job. Thus far they’ve only agreed to interview on candidate a second time. Usually, a team does that with three or four options before making a decision. However, things can change fast in this process. Some are starting to believe momentum is picking up for a favorite.

Dan Graziano of ESPN initially stated that Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was the name to watch in Chicago. It appears those winds have taken a noticeable shift in the past week or so. Now he believes that a different name is fast becoming a favorite for the job. Both because he’s turning down other interview requests and is starting to work towards building a staff.

“According to multiple sources, the Raiders and Vikings both reached out to former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell this week to request to interview him, and he declined both requests. This indicates strongly that Caldwell believes he will get one of the other open jobs, and my understanding is that he’s in the mix in both Chicago and Jacksonville and already is reaching out to candidates for his staff.”

There are reasons to believe this is the case.

Bill Polian is leading the Bears’ search. He has deep ties to Caldwell, having worked with him for several years in Indianapolis both as an assistant and head coach. Then there is Tony Dungy. He too has advised the team during this process and has been one of Caldwell’s biggest advocates. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if those two helped George McCaskey reach the conclusion that this was the best course of action.

Jim Caldwell is 62-50 in his head coaching career between the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions. He went to a Super Bowl in 2009. Then in 2014, he led Detroit to an 11-5 record. The best the franchise has had in 23 years. Five of his seven seasons ended with a winning record. He also has worked extensively as a quarterbacks coach. His work with Peyton Manning, Joe Flacco, and Matthew Stafford proves his capability when it comes to developing Justin Fields.

The wild card here is Jacksonville. Many down in Florida believe Caldwell is perfect for what the Jaguars need after the Urban Meyer fiasco. They too have a young QB in need of development. Something to watch as the process continues.