Patriots legend Jason McCourty makes case for Bears to hire ex-Dolphins HC
Count former New England Patriots cornerback and current media analyst Jason McCourty among the fans of Brian Flores. Speaking on ESPN this week, McCourty campaigned for Flores to be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. When asked who should be the next head coach of the Bears, the 2019 Super Bowl champion proposed Flores without hesitation.
“I’m a big proponent of a guy like Brian Flores. I think he is a guy that is a leader of men. I think he is a guy who learned from his first head coaching experience. He’s someone that had success in Miami when he was let go from that job.”
McCourty shared his thoughts as a guest on the ESPN Radio show "Unsportsmanlike" with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon. The former cornerback-turned-analyst did add the caveat that by bringing in a defensive-minded coach like Flores, a major factor would be who he selects as his offensive coordinator. However, he believes hiring a strong leader is as important:
“I think the big thing for him would be who his offensive coordinator is going to be. But I’m not a big believer that you have to hire a head coach specifically for the quarterback.
"I think you need to hire the best head coach that can help lead this team and I think that’s a guy who comes in with his way of doing things and he comes in to build a culture where guys are going to be tough.
"You’re going to play good defense. I think that has a lot to do with a young quarterback too. Being able to run the ball and play some good defense to take some pressure off that guy.”
Jason McCourty is not a fan of Caleb Williams sharing his coaching preferences on the St. Brown podcast
The development of 2024's first-overall pick Caleb Williams will likely influence the decision on who is hired as the next coach in Chicago. Williams went on "The St. Brown Podcast" this week and shared what he wants in his next head coach.
“Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy. So I can build with him and be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years. So I can also learn and grow from him on what I have seen.
"If we get an overall grand scheme coach who is good with time management, helping control the game, it’s a big factor obviously, controlling the clock. Helping find the right guys to win championships. That’s the only goal that I have.”
McCourty was not a big fan of Williams’ comments:
"I would have rather he just went to share that with the organization, as opposed to sharing it with all of us."
Meanwhile, the Bears' head coaching shortlist reportedly has over 20 names. The committee, led by General Manager Ryan Poles, has already spoken with twelve candidates with another slate of interviewees in the pipeline. Brian Flores is set to interview with the Bears on Saturday.