The Chicago Bears parted ways with head coach Marc Trestman after just two seasons on Monday. Following him out the door was general manager Phil Emery. Now, the Bears are in a state of limbo. They need to find front office and sideline leadership that will reestablish this team in the NFC North after a highly disappointing 5-11 season. They need a coach whom they believe can bring the best out of Jay Cutler, their $100 million quarterback.
It seems as if Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and assistant general manager Eric DeCosta are both on Chicago's radar for such an undertaking, according to Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report.
Kubiak spent eight seasons as head coach of the Houston Texans, going 61-64 with two playoff appearances during that time frame. The Ravens finished eighth in overall offense this season (18.9 points & 336.9 yards per game) with Kubiak as OC. Of the potential candidates being mentioned in relation to Chicago's opening - Mike Singletary, Dave Toub, Mike Shanahan, Dan Quinn - Kubiak is on the more experienced side. Shanahan's flameout in Washington was bad, but his familiarity with Cutler still may have him in contention.
DeCosta, meanwhile, is also drawing interest from the New York Jets as a potential GM. However, DeCosta has been contractually designated as Baltimore's general manager-in-waiting behind Ozzie Newsome. Aaron Wilson of Fox Sports reports that DeCosta is "highly valued" within the Ravens organization. Baltimore is known as one of the more stable and well-run organizations in the NFL. It's quite possible that DeCosta would prefer to stay and wait for his chance with the Ravens than go to a less desirable situation elsewhere.
The Bears seem intent on at least trying to get an interview with DeCosta while maintaining real interest in Kubiak. We'll keep you updated as the situation continues to unfold.
