Chicago Bears Appear To Have Their Next Offensive Coordinator In Mind

Ben Johnson will act as the true offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears despite carrying the title of head coach. That said, he will need somebody to help organize the offense and instruct players on the finer points he may be unable to cover. It worked for Sean Payton and Pete Carmichael. It worked for Frank Smith and Mike McDaniel. Johnson is hoping to find somebody like that. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, it appears the Bears have a line on the person they want for the job.

His name is Declan Doyle. Don't feel bad if you don't recognize the name—most people wouldn't. He's only been in the NFL for six seasons, all of them working for Payton in New Orleans and Denver. The past two have been as the Broncos' tight ends coach. He is a graduate of Iowa, where he majored in business and played baseball. There isn't much to know about him other than that both Payton and Johnson's mentor, Dan Campbell, both like him a lot.

Chicago Bears are leaning into an interesting trend.

One thing about Payton is he's always had a sharp eye for future coaching talent. Since becoming a head coach in 2006, several of his assistants have gone on to become either head coaches themselves or successful coordinators elsewhere.

• Doug Marrone
• Dennis Allen
• Ed Orgeron
• Aaron Glenn
• Joe Brady
• Dan Campbell

Plucking from that tree often yields good results. Payton's decision to bring Doyle with him from New Orleans to Denver indicates that he likes what the young assistant has to offer. Johnson doesn't need a grizzled veteran to help him with the offense. What he wants is a young guy who is hungry, energetic, and eager to learn. Doyle fits that category. Nothing is set in stone yet. There is still a chance Johnson pivoted to somebody he's a little more familiar with. Rumors persist the Hank Fraley idea isn't dead yet. The next two or three days should reveal more. The Chicago Bears don't seem panicked by the methodical approach.