The Chicago Bears have crafted an unexpectedly outstanding group of offensive coaches.
Terminations, interviews, and recruitments: The Chicago Bears have once again undertaken a complete overhaul of their offensive coaching staff. This process, all too familiar to the fans, has taken a different turn this time. Instead of making uninspiring choices, the Bears have managed to secure the services of some remarkably impressive individuals for crucial roles on the coaching staff, at least on paper.
The Chicago Bears Assemble a Strong Coaching TeamThe transformation commenced with a significant move as Shane Waldron was appointed as the offensive coordinator. Waldron, the former offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, brings three seasons of experience and has overseen formidable offensive units. His standout performance came in 2022 when he guided the Seahawks to the twelfth-ranked offense in the NFL. Notably, Waldron played a pivotal role in reviving Geno Smith's career, resulting in Smith being named the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year and earning two consecutive Pro Bowl selections. What adds to the intrigue is Waldron's connection to the highly respected coaching lineage of Sean McVay, a detail that will become more significant later.
Waldron wasted no time in assembling his team of assistants. Kerry Joseph, a former Seahawks assistant, was brought in as the quarterbacks coach, while Chris Beatty, previously with the Chargers, assumed the same role for wide receivers. Chad Morton, formerly the run game coordinator for the Seahawks, joined as the running backs coach.
However, the most notable addition to the coaching staff was Thomas Brown, the former offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, who joined as the passing game coordinator. Brown's 2023 season with the Panthers was challenging, as the team had the league's worst offense. Nevertheless, his appeal lies in his prior tenure with the Los Angeles Rams from 2020 to 2022, working under none other than Sean McVay.
The inclusion of two former offensive coordinators and disciples of Sean McVay in the coaching staff represents a significant development for the Bears, led by the determined Matt Eberflus. It raises questions, though�did they present the prospect of working with Caleb Williams to these coaches?
It's hard to believe that Waldron and Brown were solely enticed to work with Eberflus, who is potentially on shaky ground and fighting for his job this season. It's also doubtful that their primary motivation was to work with quarterback Justin Fields.
In all likelihood, Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus likely dangled the opportunity to work with Caleb Williams, the consensus number one prospect in the 2024 NFL draft, in front of these coaches. This chance is a rarity, and it could catapult these assistants into contention for much more attractive positions if things go as planned.
Shane Waldron, if successful in developing Williams and leading a top-tier offense, could even find himself in consideration for a head coaching position. Meanwhile, Thomas Brown, after his less-than-ideal stint as an OC in Carolina, has a chance at redemption in Chicago and could emerge as one of the most sought-after OC candidates in the league once again.
However, it's a calculated gamble for these coaches, as their job security is tied to Matt Eberflus. If Eberflus struggles and is ousted as head coach at the end of the next season, it could spell trouble for Waldron, Brown, and all the assistants. But they chose Chicago not for Eberflus but for the opportunity to work with a talent like Caleb Williams at quarterback�or perhaps even Justin Fields, the future remains uncertain.
Regardless of the quarterback situation next season, one thing is certain: Matt Eberflus, in a make-or-break year, has assembled a competent coaching staff. The Chicago Bears have finally embraced leaguewide trends, delving into the pool of former assistants of Sean McVay and emerging with two outstanding hires, resulting in an inspiring offensive coaching staff.
| POLL | ||
2 FEVRIER | 41 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears have crafted an unexpectedly outstanding group of offensive coaches. Is Ryan Poles doing a good job so far? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 73.2 % |
| no | 11 | 26.8 % |
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