Newly-Revealed Chicago Bears OC Target Described As "Serious" Candidate

The Chicago Bears offensive coordinator search started on a somewhat predictable path. Their first two interview requests went toward experienced NFL playcallers in Shane Waldron and Klint Kubiak. Both have had success with the call sheet on other teams and have experience in the type of offense Chicago runs. However, their third target was a slight departure. Liam Coen has been an offensive coordinator in the NFL, but never called plays. His playcalling chops were formed at Kentucky in 2021 and 2023, where he found success developing quarterbacks Will Levis and Devin Leary.

Like Waldron, Coen is a former understudy of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. Guys who come from that tree tend to handle calling offenses really well. Waldron, Kevin O'Connell, and Matt Lafleur are three such examples. It isn't hard to understand why Coen would interest them as well. Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio shed some interesting light on this situation. He says Coen is a strong contender for the Bears job and may wish to depart from the school for a second time due to disagreements with head coach Mark Stoops.

The Chicago Bears appear to be moving with urgency.

They have an advantage at present. Other teams are searching for new head coaches. They can't hire coordinators until those jobs are filled. That gives the Bears a head start on filling the offensive coordinator spot with the best available names. If Ohio State is also hunting Coen, that is a good sign. That program has a long history of quality scouting of offensive coaching talent. First, it was Tom Herman, then Ryan Day, then Kevin Wilson. All have found considerable success across the country. Coen may hope a jump to the NFL elevates his profile even further.

One can safely assume a decision will come from the Chicago Bears within the next week or two. They likely hope to get their staff situated before preparations begin for pre-draft work at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, scouting combine, and pro days. They will want the eyes of their new offensive coordinator on every quarterback they plan to evaluate. Coen has played the position. He has coached the position. It makes sense if he is indeed high on the Bears' list of options.