Bears 'All In' On John Fox, But Teryl Austin Reportedly Still In Mix
(CBS) The Bears were finishing up their meeting with Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for their coaching vacancy on Tuesday afternoon, and he "remains very much in the mix" for the position, CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported.
Austin will continue his interview rounds by meeting with the Falcons on Wednesday, La Canfora reported.
Austin interviewed with the Bears as speculation that Chicago is zeroing in on John Fox heated up. After mutually parting ways with the Broncos on Monday following the team's second divisional round collapse in three years, Fox reportedly will have an interview with the Bears soon. 670 The Score's Dan Bernstein also reported that Fox is high atop the Bears' list of candidates.
Source: #Bears "all in" in pursuit of John Fox. They expect competition, but they definitely want him.
— Dan Bernstein (@dan_bernstein) January 13, 2015
Austin directed a Detroit defense that allowed 17.6 points per game in 2014, second-best in the league. The Lions also had the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 69.3 yards per game.
Fox, 59, has led two different teams to the Super Bowl — the Carolina Panthers and the Broncos. In 13 seasons as a head coach, Fox has compiled a 119-89 regular-season record and an 8-6 playoff mark.
The Bears have already interviewed Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for their coaching spot.