Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Search Coming Into Focus

There has been plenty of rumors regarding what the Chicago Bears plan to do in their restructuring of the offensive coaching staff. Matt Nagy has already found a new offensive line coach in Juan Castillo. Next on the priority list is undoubtedly offensive coordinator, recently vacated by Mark Helfrich. Thus far the buzz has centered around one idea. This being that Nagy wants somebody a little more familiar to work with in that role.

To that end, two names have surfaced in regards to the job. One is former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur and the other Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka. Nagy briefly worked with Shurmur in 2008 when both were assistants for the Philadelphia Eagles under Andy Reid. He worked with Kafka in 2017 when both were with the Chiefs. It is easy to see why the Bears would have interest in both and things might be starting to move towards a conclusion.

Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, who was ahead of everybody on the Castillo signing, posted this on his Twitter. It seems to indicate Chicago is making progress with Shurmur.

Upon seeing this, I reached out to a source close to the situation and was basically told this. The Bears have already interviewed Shurmur once. It went well and are planning to do so a second time. However, no deal has happened yet because they're hoping to meet with Kafka when he becomes available next week following the Chiefs' playoff opener. Nothing is set in stone at this point though that can change fast.

Chicago Bears search could still expand if they do wait

Anybody who has followed the NFL for long enough understands things are fluid. Coaches can back out of deals at the last second or teams can have a sudden change of heart. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post revealed the Shurmur is anxious to find a coordinator job this year. Based on the latest rumblings, both the Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs were tagged as initial landing spots. Washington for his connection to quarterback Case Keenum and Kansas City for his ties to Andy Reid.

So it feels like the Bears would be taking a big risk by waiting. Then again if they truly feel Kafka is potentially worth the wait, that's how it must go. The truth is both men could be out of their reach before too long. Shurmur could go to another team and Kafka could be promoted to offensive coordinator in Kansas City presuming Eric Bienemy gets a head coaching job elsewhere. So it's important to assume nothing.