The Chicago Bears are striving to improve after enduring years of mediocrity. They appeared to be on the right track with the selection of former Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Things seemed promising as the Bears started the season with a 4-2 record, but unfortunately, that was the highlight of the year. Chicago finished the season with a disappointing 5-12 record, with their fifth victory coming in the last game.
This season was particularly challenging for the Bears, culminating in the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus mid-season following a poor late-game strategy that cost them a potential win against the Detroit Lions during a nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game. After the conclusion of the season, Chicago appointed former Detroit Lions coach Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Recently, he made a notable choice for the team’s offensive coordinator, as reported by a prominent league insider.
“The (Bears) are hiring (Broncos) TE coach Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator, per me and (Tom Pelissero). A key hire for coach Ben Johnson, Doyle is a rising offensive mind. At just 28, he’s now an OC,” reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday.
The #Bears are hiring #Broncos TE coach Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator, per me and @TomPelissero.
A key hire for coach Ben Johnson, Doyle is a rising offensive mind. At just 28, he’s now an OC. pic.twitter.com/UicDflFnmJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2025
This hiring raises eyebrows since Doyle lacks experience in play-calling, and Johnson has never been a head coach before. Fans have shared mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing skepticism over the hire.
“New head coach without head coaching experience and now a new offensive coordinator with no offensive coordinator experience,” one fan noted on Twitter. Another questioned, “Why is Ben Johnson hiring so many people from the Sean Payton tree??? His only connection to the tree is working for Dan Campbell.” A third fan commented, “C’mon, we all know who’s gonna be calling the plays: HC Ben Johnson.” Conversely, some fans appreciated the decision, suggesting that Doyle’s youth and connection to Sean Payton could be beneficial. “Young guy who’s been with Sean Payton for a couple of years, not gonna complain,” one fan remarked.
It will be intriguing to see if Doyle and Johnson can tap into Williams’ potential.
