LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears coach John Fox on Thursday raised the possibility of his entire coaching staff returning in 2017, even though the Bears' record is a dismal 3-12 heading into the Week 17 finale at Minnesota.

Fox is 9-22 since he arrived in Chicago prior to last season.

Fox fielded a question specially asked about the future of offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains -- the Bears rank 28th in points scored -- but the veteran head coach expanded his answer to include all the assistants currently under contract.

“Yeah, [I expect Loggains to be back],” Fox said. “I think as I mentioned before, when you guys were asking me about reports and whatnot, a lot of things change. Players will change, coaches change. It's not like I'm going to make changes. It's just the nature of the beast. I don't know if there will be a long line at 3-12 right now for coaching opportunities, but stranger things have happened.”

Fox effusively praised Loggains, who spent time this season working with three starting quarterbacks -- Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley -- and a host of backups at other positions after key contributors like guard Kyle Long, tight end Zach Miller, and receivers Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Eddie Royal missed time due to injuries or suspension.

“I look at it, like I mentioned before, we've made considerable improvement in many areas offensively," Fox said. “One of the frustrating things is that we've been with four quarterbacks. I go all the way back to Connor Shaw, because he was in the mix as late as the third preseason game. Three different quarterbacks starting, I think each of them won a game -- as you look back, that's probably the ultimate team game. You got 11 guys out there at once. The continuity and consistency helps when there is continuity and consistency. And that's not been the case.

“It's a credit to the coaching staff, Dowell in particular, really in all three phases of our game with injuries, and to the players, the new guys stepping in, kind of grabbing the bull by the horns, so to speak. Guys like Jordan Howard, Cam Meredith on offense. I'm not sure tight end Daniel Brown was exactly a household name even a month ago.”

On the other side of the ball, Fox’s relationship with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio remains under the microscope after a report circulated suggesting Fangio may depart at season’s end.

On Wednesday, Fangio stated for the second time he planned to be back, and Fox even praised the coordinator for the work he’s done transforming the Bears’ defense since Fangio took over for Mel Tucker in 2015.

“I think Vic does a tremendous job,” Fox said. “Concept-wise, he does a good job. I think he teaches it to a variety of different levels of experienced players. I think even with all that’s happened to us, really in both years, I think we’ve shown steady improvement. I know the last couple of weeks has not been outstanding. But some of that is who you play as well. But I think he’s a good teacher and he brings good results.”

Fox and Bears general manager Ryan Pace are scheduled to address the media one final time next Wednesday. More clarity on the coaching staff’s fate could be revealed at that time.