The Chicago Bears Add New Coordinators: A Closer Look at the Coaching Changes
The Chicago Bears have made significant moves in the offseason by appointing new coordinators to help lead the team into the upcoming season. With these changes, the Bears are looking to strengthen their coaching staff and improve performance on both sides of the ball. This article will explore the recent additions, their backgrounds, and the potential impact on the team’s future.
A Fresh Start for the Coaching Staff
After a challenging season, the Bears front office recognized the need for adjustments at key coaching positions. Head coach Matt Eberflus has brought in new coordinators to revamp the offense, defense, and special teams. These strategic hires indicate the team’s commitment to building a more competitive roster and a sustainable game plan.
The major changes include:
- Offensive Coordinator: Declan Doyle
- Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Allen
- Retained Special Teams Coordinator: Richard Hightower
Each of these moves brings a different dynamic to the team. Let’s break down what each coordinator brings to the table.
Offensive Coordinator: Declan Doyle
One of the most surprising moves was the hiring of Declan Doyle as the Bears’ new offensive coordinator. At just 28 years old, Doyle is the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL. He previously worked as the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos, where he played a role in the development of their offensive scheme.
What Doyle Brings to the Table
Doyle’s rapid ascent in the coaching ranks suggests he is highly regarded for his football IQ and offensive creativity. The Bears have struggled offensively in recent years, and Doyle is expected to introduce a more innovative and modern approach to the offense.
Some key aspects of Doyle’s philosophy include:
- Emphasis on Quarterback Play: The Bears have a crucial decision to make regarding their quarterback situation, whether they stick with Justin Fields or draft a new signal-caller. Doyle’s offensive scheme will likely be designed to maximize quarterback efficiency.
- Creative Play Calling: As part of a younger generation of coaches, Doyle may bring fresh ideas, including pre-snap motion, RPOs (Run-Pass Options), and spread concepts.
- Player Development: Given his background with tight ends, he could also enhance the role of that position in the offense, benefiting Cole Kmet and other weapons in the passing game.
If Doyle can modernize the Bears’ offense, the team could finally establish an identity on that side of the ball.
Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Allen
The Bears have also added Dennis Allen as their new defensive coordinator. Allen is a veteran coach with significant experience in the NFL, most recently serving as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Before that, he was the Saints’ defensive coordinator, where he built one of the league’s most formidable defenses.
Allen’s Defensive Approach
Allen is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, which often feature:
- Strong Pass Rush: Expect an emphasis on getting to the quarterback, something the Bears have struggled with in past seasons.
- Versatile Coverages: He mixes zone and man coverage schemes effectively, adjusting based on opponent tendencies.
- Turnover Mentality: Allen’s defenses have historically been good at generating takeaways, something that could transform the Bears’ defense into a game-changing unit.
With a young defensive core that includes players like Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and potential offseason additions, Allen’s leadership could elevate the Bears’ defense to a new level.
Retained Special Teams Coordinator: Richard Hightower
One aspect of stability in the Bears’ coaching overhaul is the retention of Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator. Special teams play a critical role in field position and overall game management, and keeping Hightower ensures continuity in that department.
What Hightower Brings
Hightower has been a solid coach for the Bears, overseeing a unit that has performed well in kick coverage, punt returns, and field goal operations. Some key areas of focus moving forward include:
- Improving Return Game: A dynamic return specialist could make a difference for the Bears.
- Field Goal Consistency: Ensuring the kicking game remains reliable.
- Punt and Kick Coverage: Preventing big returns by opposing teams.
Retaining Hightower while adding new coordinators elsewhere allows the Bears to build on their strengths while addressing weaknesses.
The Bigger Picture: What These Moves Mean for the Bears
The hiring of Doyle and Allen, along with the retention of Hightower, signals the Bears’ intention to make a fresh start while maintaining some continuity.
1. A Clear Direction on Offense
Bringing in a young, offensive-minded coach like Declan Doyle suggests the Bears want to modernize their attack. Whether they stick with Justin Fields or draft a new quarterback, Doyle’s system will be a crucial part of the team’s development.
2. A More Aggressive Defense
Dennis Allen’s experience and aggressive philosophy will likely make the Bears’ defense more formidable. The team’s defensive unit showed flashes of potential last season, and with the right adjustments, they could become a top-tier group.
3. Maintaining Special Teams Strength
Richard Hightower’s continued leadership on special teams ensures that this often-overlooked phase of the game remains a strong point.
Final Thoughts
The Bears’ coaching changes are bold but necessary moves that could set the team up for long-term success.
- Declan Doyle offers fresh offensive ideas that could help Chicago finally develop a consistent and explosive offense.
- Dennis Allen provides experience and a proven track record on defense, which could help elevate the Bears’ defensive unit.
- Richard Hightower remains a steady hand for the special teams unit, providing continuity in that phase of the game.
As the Bears continue to make roster adjustments through free agency and the draft, these coaching hires will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity. The upcoming season will reveal whether these moves will help the Bears take the next step toward becoming a playoff contender.
For now, Bears fans have reason to be optimistic about the future.