NEWSLETTER
One day after finalizing the 2024 coaching staff, Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus introduced his new coaches on Thursday afternoon.
We’ve got thoughts, analysis, and insight on the newbies in town. But I’ll save my thoughts on Eberflus’ new-look beard for a later time and place. I’m still trying to figure out if I like it or not.
New Chicago Bears Coordinators
Shane Waldron, Offensive Coordinator — We’ve had a lot to say about Waldron since his hiring in January. So how about something Waldron said that piqued my interest? I like what the new OC said when asked about what intrigues him about the situation:
“It is a unique spot in the draft to have the first overall pick and ninth overall pick … it’s not going to happen too often. Also, a core group of players that are already in place on offense, including the quarterback, that played at a high level and has displayed the ability to win football games and make plays.”
What intrigued me about Waldron’s press conference is that he never said the names Justin Fields, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, or Caleb Williams. A masterclass in elusiveness that Sweetness and Sayers would appreciate.
For what it’s worth, Waldron said he “exchanged messages” with Bears quarterback Justin Fields after his hiring. However, Waldron did not say on which platform he exchanged those messages with Fields on. But I’d guess that Instagram DMs were out of the question.
Eric Washington, Defensive Coordinator — This quote certainly got my attention:
If the Bears are truly going to build the best pass rush in football, hiring a defensive coordinator with ample experience coaching defensive linemen feels like a good place to start. After all, the game of football begins with who wins the battle of the trenches. Oftentimes, the end of a game is decided by the big boys up front. And that is why Washington made a ton of sense as an ideal fit for the Bears’ defensive coordinator gig.
MORE: Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington Coaching Profile
Even with Matt Eberflus confirming during Thursday’s press conference that he will remain the team’s defensive play caller, Washington. remains a highly valuable assistant coach who will help game plan and be a sounding board for Coach Flus. But perhaps the most important thing Washington brings is the experience of coaching defensive linemen. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens are among the young defensive linemen who are about to be in a position to benefit from Washington’s teachings. If he can coach them up and get to another level, this defense will be better in 2024 than what we saw in 2023.
Other new Bears assistants
Kerry Joseph, Quarterbacks Coach — I’m still thinking about what the new QBs coach said about what he is looking for in a quarterback while being interviewed at the Senior Bowl in January:
“Arm talent, accuracy, you know. Delivery quickness, physicality, toughness, swagger. You got to have a little swag playing the quarterback position, and when I say that, I mean confidence. You got to have confidence, and I like to say arrogance, but arrogance to me, all it is confidence under control.”
Whether Joseph is coaching Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent, Caleb Williams, or a different quarterback is still to be determined. Whomever it happens to be taking snaps in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, I am looking forward to a new approach in building up the quarterbacks room.
Chad Morton, Running Backs Coach — Morton has experience playing the position (spent time with the Jets, Saints, Washingtonians, and Giants) and I hope he can pass along some pertinent knowledge to help elevate the profiles of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Herbert has shown the ability to create explosive plays, but hasn’t done so with consistency thanks in part to the injury bug that has put him on IR in each of the last two years. Johnson’s game is more steady, but didn’t have a ton of pop. Maybe a new voice in the room can lead this group to better things.
Jennifer King, Offensive Assistant (Running Backs) — Assisting the new running backs coach in coaching up the backfield is King, who is making Bears history:
Chris Beatty, Wide Receivers Coach — Eberflus mentioned in his press conference that Beatty and Bears receiver DJ Moore were together while at the University of Maryland. Beatty’s other work experience includes time working with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams from when he was with the Los Angeles Chargers. I don’t know how much impact a coach can have on two of the most talented receivers in the NFL, but I do appreciate that the new Bears WRs Coach knows what good pass-catchers look like. Perhaps that’ll help in the free agency and draft processes that will help reshape this position group.
Jason Houghtaling, Assistant Offensive Line Coach — In a weird twist, this is the second consecutive offseason in which the Bears hired away a coach from the Tennessee Titans to fill the Assistant OL Coach gig. Houghtaling replaces Luke Steckel, who departed for a gig with new Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. One of the most notable free agent center options is Aaron Brewer, who Hougthaling had a first-row look at watching while as his position coach. I’m not saying, but I’m just saying…
Another Eberflus nugget: Offensive Line Coach Chris Morgan received a promotion and is adding the Run Game Coordinator title. Nothing like adding titles to your résumé.
Thomas Brown, Passing Game Coordinator — I had a hunch the Bears would hire multiple assistants from the group they had interviewing for the offensive coordinator job in January. If you’ll recall, Brown was one of the nine known candidates who interviewed for the OC opening that ultimately went to Shane Waldron. Brown spent 2023 as the Carolina Panthers OC, but has a different title as he arrives in Chicago. If things go well in Chicago, Brown could be a fast riser and get a second shot at calling plays.
Robbie Picazo, Offensive Assistant (Quarterbacks and Receivers) — Picazo is the only coach whose hiring wasn’t previously reported. He has coaching experience in college (Stanford, Rice) and with NFL teams (Texans in 2022, Seahawks in 2023). That recent experience with Seattle re-connects him with Waldron and Morton.
