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Chicago Bears' Latest Coach Already Leaving a Mark

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Vince Carbonneau
June 4, 2023  (8:14)
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In the ceaseless current of staff changes that defines professional sports, proficient teams master the art of adaptation. Our new head honcho, Matt Eberflus, got a taste of this sporting reality this offseason when the Chicago Bears' cornerback coach, James Rowe, jumped ship to join his alma mater USF as the new passing game coordinator and safeties coach. This left Eberflus and the Bears with a gap to fill.

The solution was a familiar face�Jon Hoke, a seasoned NFL sidekick, was welcomed into the fold. Bears enthusiasts will likely remember Hoke from his 2009-2014 stint with the team, where he nurtured the talents of Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings and played a key role in drafting Kyle Fuller, who later rose to All-Pro status. Known throughout the NFL for his knack for shaping defensive backs, Hoke is already making waves at the Bears.

For a glimpse of Hoke's immediate influence, consider rookie Tyrique Stevenson. The 2nd round pick has hit the ground running, making a solid impression during recent practices. But Hoke ensures that praise doesn't inflate Stevenson's ego. Hoke's keen eye for assessing talent was a significant factor in his hire, and Stevenson was always on his radar. This is why the Bears felt confident trading up to secure him. As per Hoke's recent conversation with Josh Schrock from NBC Sports Chicago, his hopes for Stevenson are sky-high.

«HE'S DONE A GOOD JOB OF LEARNING THE DEFENSE,» CORNERBACKS COACH JON HOKE COMMENTED. «IT'S BEEN QUICK FOR HIM. HE'S DONE A GOOD JOB OF TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTS WE TEACH.»

Stevenson, thanks to his physical prowess, has the potential to emerge as a powerhouse corner in the NFL. The Bears' faith in him was enough to trade up from No. 61 to No. 56 to select him in this year's draft. Hoke's enthusiasm for having Stevenson in the squad is palpable, and his performance at minicamp has only amplified this excitement.

But Stevenson isn't the only fresh talent turning heads. Terell Smith, the Bears' 5th round pick, has also left a mark on the practice field. Hoke's expertise will deserve a lion's share of the credit if these two rookies make a significant contribution this season. It would indeed be a poetic twist of fate: Hoke was a part of the Bears during their lowest ebb in defensive legacy in 2013 and 2014. How fitting it would be for him to spearhead the team's return to defensive supremacy in the NFL before he hangs up his hat in the coming years.

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Chicago Bears' Latest Coach Already Leaving a Mark

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