Chicago Bears Have Strong Backup Plan For Special Teams Coordinator

Last week there were rumblings that the Chicago Bears had a chance to secure one of the best special teams coordinators on the market in Rich Bissacia. The man has done great work in the third phase for many years. Most recently for the Las Vegas Raiders. He even has ties to Matt Eberflus, having worked together in Dallas. However, Bissacia has remained unsigned thus far, busy interviewing for potential head coaching jobs after the tremendous job he did getting Vegas to the playoffs following the downfall of Jon Gruden. As usual though, the NFL market is never predictable. According to multiple sources, it appears the Green Bay Packers are making a determined push to sign Bissacia as their new special teams coordinator. They sound willing to pay top dollar to get him too. Not a surprise considering how it was special teams gaffes that pretty much cost the Packers their postseason against the San Francisco 49ers.

However, it appears the Bears already have a backup plan.

Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog revealed that the team interviewed former New York Giants special teams coordinator Thomas Gaughey for the job. McGaughey ran the Giants' third phase since 2018 and also held the job in four other locations including Carolina, San Francisco, the Jets, and LSU. So he has plenty of experience. It also sounds like he really wants the Bears job what with him being a Chicago native.

Some people may consider this a consolation prize if it happens. That might not be entirely true. McGaughey has done a capable job during his four years with the Giants. According to Rick Gosselin of Sports Illustrated, the most respected special teams expert in the industry, the 48-year old has fielded two top 10 units in the past three years. All with a roster that many consider below average.

• 2018 - 15th
• 2019 - 7th
• 2020 - 19th
• 2021 - 10th

"Only four teams did not suffer any negative plays on special teams – no blocked kicks, turnovers or return touchdowns: Detroit, the New York Giants, Seattle and Tampa Bay. The Seahawks finished third in the rankings, the Lions seventh, the Bills eighth and the Buccaneers 29th."

Chicago Bears might be better off with McGaughey

Not just because he's cheaper. The truth is his special teams unit in 2021 actually ranked higher (10th) than Bissacia's (11th). One also should note he is considerably younger (13 years) and runs far less of a risk of being poached by another team for a head coaching job within the next year or two. People aren't likely to forget what the man did in Las Vegas. There is no risk of McGaughey leaving in such a manner. The fact he also comes from Chicago adds further incentive. He figures to put forward his best work yet knowing he'll get to coach for the team he grew up watching. Still, it doesn't seem like the Chicago Bears plan to make any decision until they're sure Bisaccia is no longer possible. What remains uncertain is whether the organization is willing to enter a bidding war for his services.

Especially with the Packers involved.

Either way, it is nice to see Eberflus isn't about to be caught off guard by these new developments. He has alternatives in mind. Good alternatives. McGaughey is an experience and capable special teams coach. Don't be fooled by the team he comes from. Of all the coaches on that staff in New York, he might've be the best of the bunch.