The coaching carousel continues to spin at Dove Valley.
Hours after "mutually agreeing" to part ways with the Broncos on Monday, former Denver head coach John Fox has already granted an interview. Fox will talk with the Bears, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Yes, Bears will interview John Fox. It’s a logical pairing but not automatic, per sources. Story coming on http://t.co/8BJFuCRy0P
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 13, 2015
As Mortensen notes, it's not automatic, but it wouldn't be surprising if Fox lands in Chicago. Fox has connections to Bears consultant Ernie Accorsi, who was New York's general manager when Fox coached the Giants' defense.
Dissecting C.J.'s Run
Dissecting C.J.'s Run
No clear candidates have emerged in Denver's coaching search. They want to interview Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, but it could be weeks before he becomes available. Reports that they might be interested in Mike Shanahan have been shot down, as have reports about Gary Kubiak, who seems to be happy in Baltimore.
Update (1/13/15, 5:05 a.m. MT): The Broncos will ask permission to interview Kubiak, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Meanwhile, Denver's two coordinators appear to be on the move.
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will have a second interview with the Raiders on Tuesday, and offensive coordinator Adam Gase is considered a top candidate for the Bears and 49ers, according to Mortensen. Gase will meet with the 49ers on Tuesday.
Del Rio to Oakland seems to be all but official. Gase's situation is much more intriguing.
There have been conflicting reports on if Gase will be considered a candidate to replace Fox in Denver, but the consensus among knowledgeable reporters seems to be that John Elway will seek an outside hire. Some people believe that Peyton Manning's fate hinges on Gase staying or going.
Peyton Manning only comes back if Gase is here. Period. I was told that yesterday and it makes even more sense now.
— Brandon Spano Show (@BrandonSpano) January 12, 2015
There's merit to that speculation — 39-year-old QBs don't like to start over from scratch. With that said, before Manning's injury, he emphatically stated in December that he planned to return in 2015. He knew at the time that Gase would be a top head coach candidate this offseason.
Don't dismiss Spano's report, but consider using a pinch of salt when digesting it.
There are many questions still to be answered regarding Denver's coaching search. Some of them may be answered by Broncos G.M. John Elway when he meets with the media at noon Tuesday. The press conference will be streamed live on the team's official website.