Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears running back Artavis Pierce (46) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
This season has been nothing less than a roller-coaster ride for Matt Nagy’s Chicago Bears. The franchise has had its fair share of highs and lows. Chicago looked like playoff contenders with a 5-1 start, however, a six-game skid has meant that they will be relying on a wildcard berth.
They still have a fighting chance. They are on a three-game winning streak and can make the playoffs heading into their Week 17 to face the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Nagy will be coming back as the head coach for the Bears in 2021. Rapoport pointed out that Nagy has shifted his focus to play-calling ever since he handed over the duties to Bears’ offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor.
“His team lost six straight, looked to be headed in completely the wrong direction. He gave up play-calling. It was all going bad. Instead, they’ve won three games in a row. He is expected back, I’m told. And also, I’m told he’s taken a much more of a heavier hand in play-calling, which has helped them down the stretch,” said NFL network’s Ian Rapoport.
Nagy has not ended a single season at Chicago with a losing record. It was under his guidance that the franchise put together a 12-4 record in 2018 and made it to the postseason.
The coach has faced a lot of criticism, but a playoff appearance could give him some respite for a while. That depends on whether he can inspire his team to hold off the mighty Packers. This game can serve as a make or break for Nagy.
If the Bears suffer a loss at the hands of the Packers, Nagy would have no case to please. But irrespective of it all, Nagy will still finish 2020 with his third-straight season without a losing record. This should hold him in good stead ahead of the 2021 NFL season.