A Brief Look at the New Chicago Bears Staff
Photo Credit: Jane Gershovich/Getty Images
It has been a quiet but fulfilling week for the Chicago Bears. Most of the empty coaching positions on the offense have been filled. We also saw the one big vacancy on the defensive side be filled as well. With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at all the coaches who were hired and what they bring to the team.
Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron
This was the first, and arguably the biggest move made by the Chicago Bears. The team needed a new, experienced signal caller for the team’s offense after the firing of former Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy. There were several names on the list but they ended up with former Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron was among some of the names credited with the resurgence of quarterback Geno Smith. Many were surprised he chose the Bears as the team to work for when there were other teams with better offensive rosters that were looking for a good playcaller. Whether the team sticks with QB Justin Fields or drafts a rookie is the big question now that Waldron is around.
Photo Credit: Troy Fleece/AP photo
Quarterbacks COach Kerry Joseph
A man who has vast experience in the CFL and the NFL as a player and coach. Quarterbacks Coach Kerry Joseph brings experience on both sides of the ball as a QB in the CFL and a former safety in the NFL. Joseph has worked with Waldron since 2021 when Joseph was the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach for the Seahawks. He rose to become the assistant Quarterbacks Coach last year and soon followed Waldron to the Bears.
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Wide Receivers Coach Chris Beatty
Wide Receivers coach Chris Beatty’s hiring was announced earlier today and he brings a wide resume of coaching receivers. From the like of Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen and WR Mike Williams, to University of Southern California and now Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison. He comes to a Bears team whose receiving room, with the exception of D.J. Moore, needs some improvement.
Photo Credit: Gary McCullough/AP
Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington
Former Buffalo Bills Defensive Line coach, and now new Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington was one of the more quiet signings for the staff. All of the focus this offseason has been on the offensive staff vacancies. Washington has a plethora of coaching experience dating back to 2004 when he first worked for the Northwestern Wildcats. He also was a former defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers under former Head Coach Ron Rivera. Under Washington, the Bills defense has consistently been in the top 10 in sacks, this past season the Bills were fourth in the league in total sacks. The Bears were 31st in the league with just 30 sacks.
Overall, all of the men hired have been quality candidates who have experience spanning multiple years. This Bears staff is looking to be one of the most experienced and complete we’ve seen in years. The only opening left for the vacant Running Backs coach position. That potential hire may happen in the coming weeks.
