Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bill Belichick has been denied the HOF | Bo Nix has an ankle | Todd Monken got a job
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

Episode Overview

This episode is a lively, unfiltered ride through major NFL headlines, with Dan and Matt bringing their signature Chicago Bears focus and sharp opinions to bear on the Hall of Fame snubbing of Bill Belichick, Bo Nix’s troubling injury history, and Todd Monken landing the Browns head coaching job. Aside from Bears-related angles, the hosts riff on broader league developments, coaching carousel updates, and the evolving culture of the NFL.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bill Belichick Snubbed for Hall of Fame Induction

(00:54 – 14:00)

• New Rules & Voting Process Explored:
  • Coaches are now eligible for Hall of Fame consideration one year after stepping down, not five. This made Belichick eligible for the first time.
  • Bill Belichick failed to receive the necessary 40 out of 50 votes for first-ballot induction.
  • The process is confusing and, per Matt, "utterly insane" to have omitted one of the game's greatest coaches.
• Sando’s Voter Breakdown:
  Dan reads from respected writer Mike Sando, clarifying possible reasons for the Belichick snub, including:
  • Strategic vote allocations by voters assuming Belichick was a lock.
  • Protest votes against new rules.
  • Spygate grudges.
  • Prioritization of senior players.
  • Quote (03:35):
    “This is a repudiation of the new voting rules implemented for 2025, not of Belichick.” — Mike Sando (read by Dan)
• Tone and Attitude:
  • Neither host is especially moved by the “tragedy” of Belichick missing (Matt: “I have zero feelings and emotions for it. I just know that it’s wrong. That’s all I know.” – 02:27)
  • Both agree the Hall of Fame is mostly wrangling with its own significance.
  • The voting process, with subjective human involvement, is bound to be messy and occasionally silly.
    Quote (11:08, Matt): “When you have the parameters being subjective and humans involved, it's never going to go the way it should go.”
  • Ultimately, the hosts find it fitting that Belichick’s Hall experience is as weird and complicated as his NFL career:
    Quote (13:38, Dan): “Sort of confusing and twisted and filled with all kinds of gray areas and generally makes you uncomfortable. Ladies and gentlemen, Bill Belichick.”

2. Bo Nix’s Ankle Injury and Denver’s Gamble

(14:10 – 25:55)

• Sean Payton’s Remarks:
  • The Broncos acknowledged knowing about Bo Nix’s predisposed ankle condition; it wasn’t “if” he’d break it again, but “when.”
  • Bo Nix has reportedly had “several” ankle surgeries since high school—a detail that surprises both hosts.
• Skepticism on Health Prognosis:
  • Matt and Dan question Payton’s claim of having “no concerns” for Nix’s future:
    Quote (16:25, Matt): “How can you have no concern about it when he’s had several surgeries?”
  • Matt reasons through the risk for a 25-year-old QB with multiple ankle surgeries, suggesting the franchise took a major gamble.
• Transparency Issues:
  • Limited public info on the extent and specifics of Nix’s injury history.
  • Comparing medical red flags with prior Bears picks (e.g., Tommy Harris, Chris Williams, Kevin White).
• Broader Point:
  • The NFL’s medical gambits are often high-risk, especially at quarterback.
  • Hosts hope Denver’s medical team had the full picture, but express doubt.
  • Humor:
    • Tangent about Sean Payton aging and his hands looking “odd” at press conferences.
• Player Age Context:
  • Bo Nix already 25, will turn 26 soon (23:08).
  • Impact on career window and value vs. other QBs in the league.

3. Todd Monken Hired as Browns Head Coach

(30:51 – 38:43)

• Monken’s Resume & Reputation:
  • Local Chicagoland coaching ties; former Georgia OC; ornery, no-nonsense personality.
  • First NFL head coaching job after years as a coordinator.
• Strategic Fit:
  • Matt likes hiring an offensive mind while the Browns have questions at QB (e.g., Shador Sanders’ development).
  • Jim Schwartz, the incumbent defensive coordinator, might depart after missing on the head job—but keeping him would be smart.
  • Memorable Moment (34:52):
    • Playful confusion between “Pantera” (the band) and “Panera” (the café), riffing on Schwartz’s “leather jacket, motorcycle guy” persona.
• Outlook:
  • The move shakes up the coaching carousel, leaving only the Raiders and Cardinals as vacant jobs.
  • Brief speculation where ex-Bears head coach Matt Nagy might land:
    Quote (37:33, Dan): “Get out of here. Go do your thing...He’ll be a great play caller for someone else.”

4. Bears Offseason, NFL Culture, League Tidbits

(38:51 – End)

• Bears News:
  • No major developments. Bears organization seems stable, and roster improvement is about supplementing a division winner, not overhauling a mess.
  • Dan notes a positive shift away from the old days of offseason trouble for players:
    Quote (43:27): “I think…now the presumption of off field troubles is [not] there the way it used to be. The NFL is growing up.”
• Player Relations and Support:
  • Discussion of better player support systems, particularly when it comes to off-field conduct and supplement/drug policies.
  • Coaches’ tone and leadership (e.g. Dallas 90s, Ditka era Bears) influences offseason behavior and team focus.
• Upcoming NFL Draft:
  • This year’s draft class is “rich in edge rushers”—a promising sign for teams like the Bears seeking defensive talent.
• Other NFL Tidbits:
  • John Gruden discussed as a possible Jets advisor, Aaron Glenn cleaning house, the perennial “where do the lost coaches go?” question.
  • Lighthearted tributes to sports media colleagues and humorous behind-the-scenes stories.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Belichick’s Snub:
  • “It's completely asinine that he's not a first ballot Hall of Famer. But that's the way you've developed this process now.” (10:01, Matt)
• On Subjectivity in Hall of Fame Voting:
  • “When you have the parameters being subjective and humans involved, it's never going to go the way it should go, period.” (11:08, Matt)
• On Bo Nix's Health Concerns:
  • “How is it you can clearly say, oh, I'm not concerned about his health moving forward?” (16:25, Matt)
  • “A 25-year-old man who's had three surgeries in the same ankle… that's the condition.” (23:51, Matt)
• On the Browns Hiring Monken:
  • “Local guy. He’s from Wheaton, Illinois, went to Knox College—the school of hard knocks.” (31:42, Dan)
• On Jim Schwartz:
  • “I've always found Jim Schwartz a little annoying because…‘I ride a motorcycle. I wear a leather jacket. I love Pantera.’ All right, dude…oh, that's Panera…” (34:52, Dan & Matt)
• On Modern NFL Offseasons:
  • “There was a time when we would openly say, well, it's not a matter of who's going to get arrested, it's how many. …That happens less and less now…” (41:21, Dan)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Belichick Hall of Fame Snub – 00:54–14:00
• Bo Nix’s Ankle, Denver Fallout – 14:10–25:55
• Browns Hire Todd Monken – 30:51–38:43
• Bears Outlook, NFL Trends – 38:51–End

Closing Thoughts

Dan and Matt deliver a robust sweep of NFL intrigue, with their classic blend of research, wit, and Bears-centric perspective. Whether breaking down the political chess of Hall of Fame voting, voicing skepticism over injury-riddled quarterbacks or riffing on the quirks of new head coaches, the episode is a must-listen for fans who want both league-wide insights and a true Chicago flavor—all without ever glossing over the weird, idiosyncratic details that make football fandom (and this podcast) so compelling.