The Offensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears: A Former Iowa Football Coach
The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL. Throughout their long and illustrious existence, the team has faced many challenges and undergone numerous transformations, but one thing has remained constant: the desire to build a competitive, dynamic offense. Over the years, the Bears have struggled to find sustained success on the offensive side of the ball, often relying on their strong defenses to keep them in games. However, in 2025, the Bears are hopeful that a new addition to their coaching staff will help change that narrative. That addition is Luke Fickell, the former head coach of the University of Iowa’s football team, now serving as the Bears’ offensive coordinator.
Fickell, a name that was synonymous with hard-nosed football at Iowa, is tasked with revitalizing a Bears offense that has often struggled in recent years to keep up with the high-powered offenses that dominate the modern NFL. His background in developing talented offenses at the college level, paired with his no-nonsense approach, has made him an intriguing hire for the Bears, who are looking to make a significant jump in their quest for playoff contention.
The Rise of Luke Fickell
Before he became the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, Luke Fickell’s name was already well known in college football circles, particularly in the state of Iowa. Fickell, a former player and assistant coach at the University of Ohio State, made his name in the college football coaching ranks as a defensive-minded coach. However, it was during his tenure as the head coach of the University of Iowa that he truly made his mark.
Fickell was hired as the Iowa offensive coordinator in 2018, taking over a struggling unit that had been unable to consistently move the ball and score points. Under his leadership, the Iowa offense experienced a renaissance. Fickell’s strategic approach to offensive football, which emphasized balance, quick decision-making, and exploiting mismatches, breathed new life into an offense that had once been known for its predictability and lack of explosiveness.
One of the key factors in Fickell’s success at Iowa was his ability to develop a strong running game, which became the backbone of the offense. The Hawkeyes’ ground attack, led by a stable of talented running backs, averaged over 200 yards per game in each of Fickell’s last two seasons as offensive coordinator. This commitment to the run helped set up play-action passes and allowed the Iowa offense to remain unpredictable, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
However, it wasn’t just the running game that flourished under Fickell’s guidance. The Iowa passing game, which had often been stagnant in years past, also took a significant step forward during his time at the helm. Fickell utilized a quick-release passing attack that featured short, sharp routes designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space. His offense was both efficient and effective, and it earned widespread praise for its versatility and ability to adjust to the strengths of the players at his disposal.
During his five years as offensive coordinator, Fickell led the Iowa offense to several memorable performances, including a stunning win over their in-state rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones, in 2023. This victory, which featured a high-scoring and efficient performance by the offense, marked the peak of Fickell’s time at Iowa. By the time he left the program to take the offensive coordinator position with the Chicago Bears, Fickell had transformed Iowa into one of the most respected offensive units in college football.
Why the Chicago Bears Hired Luke Fickell
The Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Luke Fickell as their offensive coordinator was not made lightly. The team had long struggled to find an offensive identity, and under the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus, they were determined to bring in someone who could reinvigorate their offense and make them more competitive in the high-octane world of the modern NFL. Fickell’s reputation as a coach who can turn around struggling offenses, coupled with his ability to develop a strong running game, made him an ideal candidate for the role.
Fickell’s style of play fits well with what the Bears hope to achieve offensively. While the NFL is increasingly dominated by pass-heavy offenses, Fickell has always been a proponent of establishing the run first. This philosophy is something that the Bears’ front office believes could be key to their success, particularly with a talented, young running back like Khalil Herbert on the roster. Fickell’s offense is designed to create balance and control the tempo of a game, which will allow the Bears to protect their defense and keep opposing offenses off the field.
In addition to his work with the running game, Fickell’s ability to develop quarterbacks was another major factor in his hiring. While Fickell had his share of success with quarterbacks during his time at Iowa, his work with quarterbacks in a system that values decision-making and quick processing is exactly what the Bears need. With quarterback Justin Fields still developing, Fickell’s ability to cultivate young signal-callers and make them more efficient will be critical to Fields’ long-term success.
The Bears also hope that Fickell’s experience in coaching at the highest levels of college football will bring a fresh perspective to the NFL. Having faced some of the best defenses in the country while at Iowa, Fickell is no stranger to game-planning for top-tier opposition. His ability to adjust on the fly and take advantage of mismatches is something that could serve the Bears well as they continue to try to build a competitive roster in a league full of talented teams.
What Can We Expect From Fickell’s Offense?
As the Bears embark on a new chapter with Luke Fickell at the helm of the offense, fans are eager to know what to expect. While Fickell’s time as offensive coordinator at Iowa was marked by an emphasis on balance and a strong running game, he is more than capable of adapting his philosophy to fit the strengths of the players at his disposal in Chicago. So, what can Bears fans look forward to in the coming seasons?
1. A Balanced Attack
Fickell’s offense is built on balance. Whether it’s Iowa or Chicago, Fickell understands the importance of keeping defenses guessing. His commitment to the running game will likely be a staple of the Bears’ offense, especially with the talented running backs they have in their stable. But while the run game will be important, Fickell will also incorporate a passing attack that emphasizes short, quick throws and the ability to attack defenses vertically when the opportunity arises.
2. Development of Justin Fields
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Fickell’s hiring is his potential to help develop Justin Fields into a more refined quarterback. Fields has flashed immense talent since entering the NFL, but he has struggled with consistency. Fickell has experience working with quarterbacks who have similar skill sets, and his ability to improve decision-making and processing speed will be key to Fields’ growth. Under Fickell, Fields could take a significant leap forward and become a more complete signal-caller.
3. Emphasis on Efficient Play
Fickell’s offense is known for its efficiency, and that is something the Bears desperately need. Over the past few seasons, Chicago has struggled to sustain drives and convert on critical third downs. Fickell will likely bring a sense of urgency and focus to the offense, with an emphasis on making the most of every possession. Expect to see fewer three-and-outs and more methodical, controlled drives that keep the defense rested and the scoreboard ticking.
4. Exploiting Mismatches
One of Fickell’s greatest strengths is his ability to exploit mismatches, and he will likely take the same approach in the NFL. Whether it’s finding the right matchups in the passing game or setting up a running back against a linebacker who can’t keep up, Fickell will make sure the Bears’ offense is constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses to adjust.
5. Coaching in the NFL
Although Fickell has had great success in college, the NFL presents a new challenge. The speed of the game is faster, and the competition is tougher. However, Fickell’s disciplined approach, along with his ability to adjust to different styles of play, will give him a chance to succeed at the next level. As he gets more acclimated to the nuances of the NFL, Fickell’s experience and growth as an offensive mind will likely serve the Bears well.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bears’ hiring of Luke Fickell as their offensive coordinator is an exciting development for a franchise in search of an offensive identity. Fickell’s track record of success at Iowa, particularly in revitalizing the offense, makes him an intriguing hire for a team that has often struggled to put up points. With a focus on balance, efficient play, and the development of young talent, Fickell has the potential to make a significant impact on the Bears’ offense and lead them to greater success in the seasons to come. Fans of the Bears can only hope that Fickell’s expertise and experience translate to the NFL, and that his approach will help transform the offense into a force to be reckoned with.