The Chicago Bears new head coach John Fox speaks to the media during his introduction press conference on January 19, 2015 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois.David Banks/Getty Images
John Fox isn't backing down from his challenge as the Chicago Bears' new coach.
"I'm looking forward to this challenge," Fox said Monday. "I can't tell you exactly what that challenge is yet, but I understand that it starts with being successful in your division."
The Bears finished last in the NFC North at 5-11, missed the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years and fired general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman.
They hired Ryan Pace as GM and then turned to Fox last week, just days after he coached the Denver Broncos in the playoffs, to replace Trestman.
Fox did not provide any answers about the futures of quarterback Jay Cutler or receiver Brandon Marshall at his introductory news conference. He is more focused on filling out his staff.
Fox brings a 119-89 regular-season record in 13 years with Carolina (2002-10) and Denver (2011-14), with six division titles and seven playoff appearances. He is one of six coaches to lead two franchises to Super Bowl appearances, joining Don Shula, Bill Parcells, Dan Reeves, Dick Vermeil and Mike Holmgren.
"John Fox is a proven winner and when he became available, honestly, the game changed," Pace said. "The more time I spent with him and his family, the more it became apparent that he's the perfect man to lead our charge."
Fox oversaw turnarounds in Carolina and Denver, and the Bears are hoping for a similar result this time.
It won't be easy, considering how chaotic last season was in Chicago.
There was plenty of drama, whether it was Lance Briggs missing practice the week of the opener to open a restaurant in California, former offensive co-ordinator Aaron Kromer leaking a critical story of Cutler or Marshall repeatedly drawing headlines for reasons that had little to do with his play.
Fox brings credibility. He led the Broncos to division titles all four years, even if those seasons ended in ugly losses. He oversaw an impressive turnaround in Carolina, with the Panthers going from 1-15 in 2001, the year before he arrived, to the Super Bowl in his second season.
Denver went from 4-12 to the AFC West title in Fox's first season with Tim Tebow at quarterback. The Broncos got to the Super Bowl last season with Peyton Manning, only to get blown out by the Seahawks.
They got knocked out this season by Indianapolis. Fox and the Broncos agreed to part ways the following day, and a week later, he was standing at a podium in the Bears' practice facility, embarking on a new chapter after the last one ended in bitter fashion.
Denver GM John Elway had said he was disappointed the team did not go out "kicking and screaming."
"We did disagree," Fox said. "Not on anything specific, obviously we parted ways. Felt good about it. Hugged walking out. I said that a week ago today and I still feel that."