The Chicago Bears made the surprising decision at the start of the 2024 NFL offseason to retain head coach Matt Eberflus and part ways with the offensive coaching staff. While there’s a lot of time to debate what to do with the No. 1 pick, it’s time to evaluate Bears offensive coordinator candidates to replace Luke Getsy.
While Chicago’s offense made some marginal improvements in 2023 with quarterback Justin Fields, it remained the team’s biggest weakness in the second half of the season. It would’ve been better for continuity to clean house, bringing in a new head coach and staff, but Bears’ ownership wants to give Eberflus another year. While it makes this job less desirable, due to the absence of long-term job security, there is still appeal.
- Chicago Bears offense 2023: 21.2 PPG (18th in NFL), 5.0 yards per play (24th), 41.18 percent third-down conversion rate (12th), 2.9 red-zone scoring attempts per game (20th)
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Let’s dive into our Bears offensive coordinator candidates for 2024.
Top Chicago Bears offensive coordinator candidates
Ken Dorsey, former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
Typically, it’s wise to avoid hiring a coach for a similar role that they were fired from midway through the NFL season. However, former Buffalo Bills play-caller Ken Dorsey should be one of the top Bears offensive coordinator candidates brought in for an interview.
- Buffalo Bills offense (2022): 94.6 QB rating, 2.2 passing touchdowns per game, 258.1 passing yards per game, 139.5 rushing yards per game, 50.2% third-down conversion rate
- Buffalo Bills offense 2023 (Wk 1-10): 95.8 QB rating, 1.9 passing touchdowns per game, 253.6 passing yards per game, 7.5 yards per attempt, 49.2% third-down conversion rate
Contrary to popular belief, the Bills’ second-half turnaround had everything to do with their defense as opposed to improvement offensively. Buffalo’s rushing efficiency did improve, but outside of that, everything was the same. Dorsey has 1.5 seasons of experience orchestrating one of the best offenses in the NFL. After being fired by Buffalo, he’s looking for an opportunity to prove himself. An offense with Caleb Williams/Drake Maye and D.J. Moore is an ideal place to do it, plus it gives Dorsey a shot at the Bears’ coaching job in 2025.
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Frank Reich, former Carolina Panthers head coach
The last two head-coaching stints for Frank Reich have damaged his reputation. Before 2022, Reich was viewed as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, with a demonstrated track record in quarterback development. Unfortunately, awful showings with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers have left him in a spot where the highest title he might be able to land is the offensive coordinator.
Play-calling was certainly part of the problem in Carolina, but Reich’s offense was also severely slowed down by a porous offensive line with one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL. Not only would he be paired with a superior quarterback talent to Bryce Young, but his offense could run through Moore and an improved run game. Plus, Reich’s head-coaching experience and ties to Matt Eberflus make him one of the likeliest Bears offensive coordinator candidates to be hired.
Jerrod Johnson, Houston Texans quarterbacks coach
As previously mentioned, Chicago might struggle to attract premium candidates for its vacancy. While it is a great opportunity to work with the No. 1 overall pick, job security is paramount in the NFL. Because of Eberflus’ contract, the next Bears’ offensive coordinator is essentially operating on a one-year contract.
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In that scenario, you have to take chances. Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson doesn’t have experience as a play-caller. However, the former NFL quarterback learned from Kyle Shanahan (2017), Frank Reich (2019-’21), Kevin O’Connell (2022) and Bobby Slowik (2023).
It’s Johnson’s work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud that really stands out. The 35-year-old has helped the young quarterback transition to the NFL, aiding in him enjoying one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback. If Slowik remains in Houston, Chicago could be the perfect opportunity for Johnson to prove himself as an offensive coordinator and play-caller.
Marcus Brady, Philadelphia Eagles senior offensive assistant
One thing we’re prioritizing with Bears offensive coordinator candidates is connections to Eberflus. While Reich is the most obvious option, former Colts’ offensive coordinator Marcus Brady is another name to keep an eye on for Chicago.
Eberflus and Brady were together on the Colts’ staff from 2018-’21, with Brady climbing from assistant quarterbacks coach (2018) to offensive coordinator (2021-’22). He was fired midway through the 2022 season, but the Colts’ offense was largely struggling at the time due to one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines and it was further dragged down by had quarterback play.
Moore, a former quarterback, would be a valuable addition to the Bears’ coaching staff if they bring in a rookie like Mayr or Williams. For the 44-year-old coach, his second stint as an offensive coordinator might be his last opportunity. If it goes well, however, Brady would be a head-coaching candidate in 2025.