John Fox's parachute out of Chicago has guided him to ESPN. The recently fired Bears coach will be an NFL analyst for the network, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
That Fox, 63, would join the media is quite a twist, considering he never warmed to media in three seasons as Bears coach. He alienated local reporters with an unwavering determination to answer questions as vaguely as possible in the name of preserving a competitive advantage.
The Bears went 14-34 in his three seasons and finished in last place in the NFC North each year.
As the Bears played out the string in 2017 and Fox's fate appeared sealed, he expressed confidence he would continue his coaching career. He was a head coach for the last 16 seasons _ with the Panthers from 2002-10, the Broncos from 2011-14 and then the Bears. Fox has coached in the NFL in some capacity every year since 1989.
At ESPN, Fox is expected to be a studio analyst. The network has vacancies, including one created by Herm Edwards' departure to coach Arizona State.
The Athletic first reported the union between Fox and ESPN.
