Chicago Bears Assistant Coach Talks 2017, Trubisky and More

Former Chicago Bears assistant coach Todd Washington spent the summer with the team for training camp this year. The 41-year old already has quite the football career behind him. In 1998 he was drafted in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He would remain one of their primary backups at center and guard for the next five seasons. His final year there they won the Super Bowl and he left the next season for Houston. After wrapping up his playing career there, he decided to break into coaching. He worked his way up through the college ranks, breaking into the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011. There he stayed until 2016 before parting ways The Bears liked his work and decided to bring him in as an assistant to help with camp practices and preseason preparation. After the season began he was granted his release. Since then he's kept close tabs on the team, following their progress. I got a chance to speak with him about his time with the team and much more.

Just so everybody reading this is clear, what is your name and what job did you hold during your time with the Chicago Bears?

"My name is Todd Washington. I was an Offensive Assistant for the Bears for the duration of training camp. I worked along side Jeremiah Washburn and Ben Wilkerson with the offensive line. Responsibilities included, film breakdowns of preseason opponents, evaluation of Bears personnel."

What are your impressions of the Bears offensive line from what you saw in camp and what you’ve seen this season?

"The guys are true professionals. During camp, they worked tirelessly on their technique before and after practice. Off the field, they’re a real tight group. That builds confidence and resolve. You have already seen that from them in this early season. I’m a firm believer that the OL has to be the tightest group on the team. They are starting to gel right now and it’s exciting to see. I know that there are some games and plays they want back, but they are steadily getting better."

Who would you say is the most entertaining personality of that group?

"They all have their moments. I'd have to say it’s a three way tie between Sitton, Sowell, and Long."

Really? Any fun little nuggets that made them stand out?

"They all have a knack of dropping a one-liner at the right place and time that breaks up the monotony. They understand the business side of the game. But they also realize that this is still a game and you have to have some fun to be at your best."

So I know you were a player yourself at one time. How did you bridge the gap into coaching?

"I always wanted to coach. My father coached me in high school. During my time at Virginia Tech, I was set to be a Grad Assistant after I graduated. Tampa drafted me instead. During my playing career, I made sure every coach knew that I wanted to coach at some point. I started at East Texas Baptist in Marshall, Texas. I was an intern. Did, video, laundry, coaching, plumbing, etc. I wore many hats and I loved every moment of it. My first paid coaching job was at the University of San Diego. Jim Harbaugh just left there for Stanford."

That's great. Who was the person that got you your first job?

"Steve Marshall (the current Jets offensive line coach). Coached me while I played for the Texans) knew the new head coach Ron Caragher. Steve gave him my name and they interviewed me for 10 hours. The rest was history."

Goes to show it's not what you know, it's who you know.

"It will always be that way. It cost nothing to be nice and treat people with respect. Sometimes it’s enough. Other times it isn’t. But I’m cool with that. My time will come."

It seems you also had a brief stint in the United Football League. What was that experience like compared to what came later in the NFL?

"The UFL was awesome! It was all football all the time. There wasn’t a Union and the contracts were a straight forward. All players were paid the same and they shared a common goal...to get back into the NFL. It’s a shame that it folded. There’s a need for developmental football league in my opinion."

I'm in agreement on that. Would be highly beneficial in so many aspects. That’s also where you met Dave Ragone who is now the Bears quarterbacks coach. Was he a driving force in you joining the team this summer?

"Well, Ragone and I have a special bond. We were teammates in Houston. He was my QB when I was playing center for the Texans. And we coached together in the UFL. Washburn wanted me to come in and Rags talked me up as well. It was great reuniting with him."

That's amazing. More proof of how tight people can become playing this game. It seems your big break came when the Baltimore Ravens scooped you up. In 2012 they won the Super Bowl. So what was that experience like?

"Coaching in Baltimore was a great experience. I was hired after a 12 hour interview. My first year there was 2011. The head OL coach, Andy Moeller was suspended and we opened up with Pittsburgh. No pressure right? Well we won 35-7 and put up 170 on the ground. Gave up one sack. Our run efficiency was outstanding. I knew that the NFL is where I belong. We had some great teams during those 6 seasons. We also had some bad seasons too. But all of it was a blessing for me." [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Watch-Pittsburgh-Steelers-vs.-Baltimore-Ravens-09112011-NFL.com_.mp4"][/video]

I'd call that a great first impression. So who is the best offensive lineman you’ve ever coached or played with to date?

"I was fortunate to play with Randall McDaniel in Tampa. I went to his Hall of Fame induction." I’ve coached some damn good players in my young career I try not to play onto favorites. All the players give me 100%. I respect them and they respect me. Marshall Yanda is probably number one. My first line at San Diego will always have a special place in my heart. We had three FCS All-Americans on the line. Pretty cool for a non-scholarship program. It was Jordan Pao Pao, Deene Kabilling, and Gabe Deanda."

Quite the accomplishment indeed. Okay, fans will roast me if I don’t ask this next question. What can you tell us about Mitch Trubisky?

"Mitch has done everything with class since he’s been with Chicago. In a nutshell, he is a professional. He’s confident in his abilities, not cocky. You can tell that he is happy to be a Bear. But he also understands what comes with the job of being a starting QB in the NFL. He’s gonna play well."

Do you think he can lift this franchise to where it wants to go?

"In time, yes. He’s just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important piece. It’s not fair to Mitch to be looked at as a savior. His supporting cast needs to step up as well."

I understand you’re actually quite the anime fan for our nerd readers out there (myself included). What shows would you consider your favorites?

"Love the Dragon Ball sagas. Attack on Titan is awesome as well. I also watched Robotech as a kid. I watch others here and there. The ones I listed are my favorites though."

What other hobbies do you enjoy?

"I like history. So whenever I can, I like to read up on historical events. Educate myself."

Really? I'm a fan as well. Any particular type of history?

"All kinds. I like to know how things came to be. The what ifs. It started with the Revolutionary War. Went from there. It’s been a while, but the last thing I read was on Sparta. Their lifestyle and community."

Coach this has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.

"No problem. Thank you for reaching out."