Chicago Bears coach John Fox has revealed that quarterback Jay Cutler will face open competition for the starting role next season.

Cutler was benched in favour of Jimmy Clausen late last season, as he struggled to make the correct pre- and post-snap adjustments.

Fox has held talks with his signal-caller this off-season, but isn't convinced that he will have the starting role to himself.

"Obviously you've got to start somewhere," Fox said, via CSN Chicago.

"My experience in football, really in anything, it's not where you start a competition; it's where you finish it."

Fox conceded that it will take time for the 31-year-old to build his confidence back up, but he also remains open to dropping him to the bench.