Chicago Bears: 7 Possible replacements for John Fox

4. Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints, Head Coach

Before Pace came to Chicago, he spent 14 years in New Orleans (seems like that number is wrong, right?). He got a firsthand view on how to build a winner. He saw how Payton took command and built a high-octane offense. Of course, it helps to have a quarterback like Drew Brees. Perhaps Payton can repeat that quarterback magic with Trubisky. Yes, Brees is a talent, but the offense Payton runs helps him. Payton could love working with Trubisky.

While Payton has the Saints in first place in the NFC South, what happens if they don’t win it all? He has five playoff appearances and won a Super Bowl, but his team hasn’t gone to the playoffs in the past three seasons. That Super Bowl win was eight years ago.

Sometimes a coach meets the end of his run with a team. Things just aren’t the same when that happens. If the Saints miss the playoffs or have an early exit, he could be on his way out. Whispers of his exit have been growing louder in the past three seasons as they finished each one with 7-9 records.

A fresh start could be just what Payton needs. What better place to do it than with a team he has ties to and a city he’s familiar with? He grew up in the Chicago area, attending Naperville Central. He actually played for the Bears (albeit as a picket line crosser in 1987).

Many look at what Payton did with Brees, but he was also instrumental in Kerry Collins‘ best years. Additionally, he signed and developed Tony Romo. He could be the best thing to happen to Trubisky.

Payton and Pace worked together for nine seasons. Pace was first a scout then player personnel director and had a great relationship with Payton. When the Bears went to New Orleans in a Week 8 battle, Payton spoke about how much of a loss it was when the Bears signed Pace away. He said he felt the Bears were headed in the right direction with Pace.

Pace is developing the offense as a mirror image of the Saints offense. From the two-headed running back attack to having a big tight end, Pace is copying New Orleans’ blueprint. Of course, Payton may spend the rest of his coaching career with New Orleans. If he becomes available, though, I believe Pace will scoop him right up so he could be Trubisky’s best friend.