Former Exec Thinks Chicago Bears Upgraded At Vital Coaching Position

It's easy to forget the Chicago Bears only made roster changes this off-season. They also made significant adjustments to their coaching staff. New coordinators Shane Waldron and Eric Washington headline the group. Both bring considerably more proven track records than their counterparts, Luke Getsy and Alan Williams. However, it went deeper than that. Multiple positions coaches were swapped out as well. Perhaps the most overlooked was wide receiver coach Chris Beatty replacing Tyke Tolbert.

People were somewhat surprised when that happened. Tolbert had lots of experience, including a Super Bowl ring, in his background. Yet the Bears weren't seeing enough gains from their young draft picks. Former scouting director Greg Gabriel believes this is the reason they went out and got Beatty. While he may not have the ring Tolbert does, he has something else—something that could prove more important.

That is a track record for developing young players into future quality receivers.

One of the problems with both receivers and the group as a whole could very well have been coaching. I say this because, outside of Moore, none of the Bears receivers developed over the last few years. That group not only included Jones and Scott but also Chase Claypool and Eq St. Brown, as none played up to their natural physical talent. Right after the 2023 season ended, not only was Offensive Coordinator Luke Getzy let go, but so was Wide Receiver Coach Tyke Tolbert. Could Tolbert have been a problem with the lack of development with the group? To replace Tolbert, the Bears hired former Chargers wide receiver coach Chris Beaty, who was Keenan Allen’s coach for the last few years. Beatty has a reputation for developing young talent.

The Chicago Bears need only look to the history.

Before jumping to the NFL, Beatty paved a long path through the college ranks. During that time, he had a hand in recruiting and developing some excellent wide receivers. Jordan Matthews at Vanderbilt was one. D.J. Moore at Maryland and Jordan Addison at Pitt were others. Beatty inherited a great situation in Los Angeles with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Still, that didn't stop him from getting productive years from other players. Third round pick Josh Palmer averaged over 600 yards each of the past two years. DeAndre Carter, a former undrafted free agent, had a career-high 538 in 2022.

It is clear the Chicago Bears are banking on Beatty having a positive impact on their wide receiver room. He will be a terrific influence not only on 1st round pick Rome Odunze but, hopefully, also on Tyler Scott and Velus Jones. If he can help either of them blossom, it would be a huge win for the organization. Talent at the top is key. Yet depth often is what carries teams throughout such a long season. The Bears didn't overhaul the bottom of the depth chart for a reason. They think those young guys can play. Maybe they just need the right teacher.