The Chicago Bears formally
introduced John Fox as their new head coach on Monday, with the
recently dispatched Denver Broncos sideline boss expressing both
his gratitude toward his new employers as well as a confidence
he'll be able to restore the franchise back to its winning ways.
"This is a great, great honor (and) privilege to be the head coach
of the Chicago Bears," said Fox, who mutually parted ways with the
Broncos shortly after Denver's upset loss to Indianapolis in an AFC
divisional playoff game. "To be standing here in the same role as
George Halas is pretty remarkable and one I take very seriously."
Fox's track record of success in previous stops in Denver and
Carolina, where he led both teams to Super Bowl appearances within
three years on the job, made him the Bears' top choice to replace
Marc Trestman. And the soon-to-be 60-year-old was optimistic he
could orchestrate a similar turnaround in Chicago.
"I can't predict how fast it will happen," said Fox. "I just
believe it will.
"I can't make you any promises except I'm going to give you
everything I've got. That (one Super Bowl) trophy looks pretty
lonely out there."
Fox's response was more vague when asked about quarterback Jay
Cutler's future in the organization, telling reporters he has yet
to begin evaluating the roster.
"It doesn't matter what player (it is), we're going to start that
process and I'm not there yet," he stated.
Fox did say that he and Cutler did exchange text messages following
the announcement of his hiring, and that he's anticipating meeting
the embattled signal-caller.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know Jay," Fox remarked. "He did
text me, welcomed me to Chicago, was very excited that I was coming
here. I just reminded him that the game's only fun when we win, and
we will, and that I was looking forward to getting to see him."
Fox, who amassed a 46-18 record with the Broncos and led Denver to
the AFC West title in all four of his seasons at the helm, takes
over a Bears team that lost eight of its last 10 games under
Trestman to finish at 5-11, the club's worst record since 2004.
