One of the first changes the Chicago Bears made to their coaching staff back in January was hiring Juan Castillo as offensive line coach. The man has held that title at various locations in the NFL for several years. First with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1998 to 2010. Then with the Baltimore Ravens from 2014 to 2016 and finally with the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He certainly carved out quite a reputation during that time.
Former players said one thing that stood out about him was his work ethic. It was borderline crazy. Castillo developed a style that focused on details. Players need to obsess on the details. That is the only way they're ever going to realize their full potential. It's why he'd nag his guys constantly about it. Often to the point of annoyance with some.
That relentlessness came across immediately when Castillo met with the Bears media for the first time. He talked about his philosophies. How the word "can't" should not exist in any vocabulary. He used media members to help explain how he teaches technique and literally pounded his table which caused the camera to shake at one point.
He also explained how he loved the speech given by guest Doc Rivers. Specifically about how Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan became great because they obsessed over the little things.
Juan Castillo has high hopes for the Bears offensive line
It's clear what Bears offensive linemen can expect when Castillo finally gets his hands on them in training camp. Lots and lots of technique work. Whether they like it or not. This isn't a bad thing. The team constantly struggled with mental mistakes in 2019. Odds are he's going to make sure that doesn't happen under his watch.
Castillo also seemed excited to coach James Daniels and Germain Ifedi. He called Daniels "smart and athletic" and believes he should be a good player be it at guard or center. He also had the left guard add 10 pounds going into this season. An interesting tweak. As for Ifedi, it's clear Castillo is a fan of his. One thing that is already standing out is the man's work ethic. The coach is "excited" about him. Ifedi should compete for the starting right guard spot.
Nobody knows for sure if Castillo can turn around this Bears line in 2020. One thing is certain though. He's going to die trying.
