The Chicago Bears' choice for defensive coordinator was nothing controversial. Ben Johnson wanted somebody with proven experience who he knew could handle that side of the ball without constant oversight. Allen is a two-time former head coach with a strong track record calling defenses. However, Johnson pulled a shocker on the offensive side. For a brief moment, it looked like former Stanford head coach David Shaw would be the choice. He had a long history of experience going back over two decades and would be the perfect veteran presence for a first-time head coach. Then news dropped that Chicago hired Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle instead.
Many couldn't understand the choice. Doyle has only been in the NFL for six seasons, spending the first four as a nondescript offensive assistant in New Orleans before taking over Denver's tight ends in 2023. That group hasn't done much in the two years since. So what gives? Former NFL executive Greg Gabriel shed some light on that, indicating the buzz from people in Denver and New Orleans is that Doyle has a growing reputation for boundless intelligence and creativity.
Ben Johnson likely sees himself in Declan Doyle.
The Bears head coach was in that same position ten years ago. He was a complete unknown in Miami, trying to work his way up through the ranks. He earned a reputation for high energy, relentless attention to detail, and a knack for crafting creative plays. This eventually got him noticed by Dan Campbell in Detroit, who promoted him to offensive coordinator. The rest is history. Doyle seems to be following the same track. He's young, hungry, and ready for a bigger opportunity.
Chicago offers him the perfect platform to launch himself. They won't put too much pressure on him by having to call plays. Johnson will handle that. Declan Doyle will be free to focus on organization, motivation, and crafting as many creative play designs as he can dream up. That is what the Bears want. It sounds like he is well-equipped to provide it. If the offense takes big steps forward as hoped, this hire may end up looked upon as one of the more genius moves Johnson made.
