Former Bears coach John Fox hired by ESPN as NFL studio analyst

John Fox said earlier this month he wanted to become a television broadcaster this season. He’ll get his wish as an ESPN studio analyst, sources confirmed Tuesday.

The former Bears coach, who was fired Jan. 1, said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he wasn’t ready to retire and listed working in television as an option.

“It depends kinda on what shakes out,” said Fox, whom the Bears will pay through the 2018 season. “I’m being paid pretty good to do nothing.”

Fox, 63, was tight-lipped during on-camera interviews about the Bears during his three years.

WR update

Receiver Cam Meredith visited the Colts, sources said. If they sign him to an offer sheet, the Bears would have the right to match. They wouldn’t receive compensation if they declined. The Bears offered Meredith only an original round tender as a restricted free agent, which pays $1.907 million next year. He missed last season after having knee surgery.

Cut by the Jaguars on Tuesday, receiver Allen Hurns said the Bears are among 10 teams interested in him. Hurns, 26, had 39 catches for 484 yards last year.

Timu back

Inside linebacker John Timu agreed to return to the team. He played 46 percent of the Bears’ special-teams snaps last year.

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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com