New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace took a wait-and-see approach toward Jay Cutler in last week's introductory press conference.
Coach John Fox was equally noncommittal at his own meet-and-greet on Monday.
Fox emphasized that he has not begun the player-evaluation process and has not yet met with Cutler.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know Jay," Fox said. "He did text me, welcomed me to Chicago. Was very excited that I was coming here which I thought was a nice move.
"I just reminded him that this game is only fun when we win, and we will. ... I'm looking forward to seeing Jay face-to-face. We're going to start that relationship and that process. Doesn't matter what player here. We're going to start that process, and I'm not there yet."
Asked later what he looks for in a quarterback, Fox responded, "One that wins."
Here's what else we learned in Fox's introductory presser:
- Fox ran a 4-3 defense in Carolina and Denver. The safe assumption is that the same will ring true in Chicago, since the Bears have run a 4-3 scheme under Mel Tucker. Fox did stress, however, that more is made of the alignment than reality.
"I'm going to put them in the best position to have success" is all Fox would offer about his defensive plans.
- Fox's next priority will be assembling a coaching staff. To this point, there is no word on his offensive and defensive coordinators. It's worth noting that former Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen has ties to both Fox and Pace. Former Redskins defensive boss Vic Fangio has also been connected to Halas Hall.
- Although Fox's background is on the defensive side of the ball, he made it clear that he will keep his hand in the offense.
"People talk about 'Well, coach, you're a defensive coach,'" Fox said. "Well, I can promise you that I've seen more offense than any offensive coach known to man in 25 years. I know football. That's my job."
- Fox vowed to "make things right" with potential Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher after the former Defensive Player of the Year felt disrespected by a Bears contract "ultimatum" that led him to retirement in 2013.
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