Bears asking to interview Broncos’ Mike McCoy

(Photo: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports)

The game of coaching musical chairs has begun.

In Chicago, the Bears have fired head coach Lovie Smith and are now seeking his replacement. Per a report from NFL Insider Jay Glazer, Chicago has already asked permission to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for their vacant head coaching gig.

McCoy has been credited for helping Denver’s offense lead the NFL in rushing last season after successfully running a read-option offense with Tim Tebow at quarterback.  This season, the offense has been even more effective with Peyton Manning at the helm and Denver finished as the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoff race.

The Bears have already asked for permission to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. He’s a very, very hot name right now

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 31, 2012

Obviously, McCoy is one of the top head coaching candidates of 2013.  We expect many more teams will come calling, and it seems unlikely that McCoy will stay in Denver.

That’s not the end of the world for Denver, though.  It could actually work out for the Broncos benefit.

Last offseason, the Broncos lost a great defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen when the coach left to run the Raiders.  The Broncos then found an upgrade in Jack Del Rio, who will also be a head coach candidate this offeason, and went on to have the No. 2 defense in the NFL this season.

The Broncos could find themselves in a similar situation with McCoy this offseason.  Manning is basically his own offensive coordinator and Peyton’s former offensive coach, Tom Moore, is currently an “offensive consultant” for the Titans.  Unless Moore is upgraded to a coordinator position in Tennessee, the Broncos could snatch him away to replace McCoy in Denver.

What are your thoughts?  Would McCoy be a big loss for Denver’s offense? Dish out your thoughts in the comments below!