Chicago Bears head coaching search: John Fox to be interviewed

After the Denver Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, many folks hit the airwaves wondering what would be next for Peyton Manning, but certainly very few, if any, wondered about Broncos head coach John Fox.

It was completely surprising to learn on Monday that Fox and the Broncos had mutually agreed to part ways, considering the success that Denver has experienced since Fox's arrival in 2011, but we all know what NFL stands for. Perhaps the Broncos wanted a Super Bowl by now and didn't feel like Fox was the guy to win one for them.

Either way, Fox is on the market, and the Chicago Bears have already set up an interview with Fox for their vacant head coach position.

He is a veteran coach with a winning record and meets much of the criteria the Bears envision in a possible pairing with a first-year general manager Ryan Pace.

However, the Bears have granted Pace final authority on the coaching hire, and sources say the 37-year-old GM will want to be certain his choice has the sustained energy to embrace the challenge of leading a team that can overcome a competitive NFC North division and win a Super Bowl.

Fox coached the Panthers and Broncos to Super Bowls, losing both title games.

He guided the Broncos to four straight playoff seasons during his tenure in Denver and compiled a 46-18 record.

A quick review of candidates so far in Chicago:

The Bears have been impressed with a number of candidates they have interviewed, including Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

Bowles is considered a favorite for the Falcons, Quinn has turned in strong interviews with the Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Bears, and Gase is still alive with the 49ers and Bears, sources said.

What do you think about John Fox?