The Chicago Bears' offseason began with a significant change to head coach Ben Johnson's staff, as offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has been hired by the Baltimore Ravens to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. The move, first reported on January 30 and confirmed by league sources, marks the end of Doyle's one-year tenure with the Bears.
Doyle, who joined the Bears ahead of the 2025 season, was tasked with overseeing the development of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and installing a system to maximize the team's offensive weapons. Under his guidance, the Bears' offense showed flashes of high-level production, particularly in the passing game, but struggled with consistency and situational execution throughout the season. The unit's performance culminated in a valiant but ultimately futile effort in the NFC Divisional Round, where Williams' late heroics forced overtime against the Los Angeles Rams before a 20-17 loss ended the Bears' campaign.
The departure creates a critical vacancy for General Manager Ryan Poles and Coach Johnson. The new offensive coordinator will inherit an offense built around the talents of third-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who is entering a pivotal stage in his career. The coordinator will also be responsible for play-calling for a skill group that includes wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, tight end Cole Kmet, and a running back room led by Khalil Herbert. The philosophical direction of the offense—whether it continues Doyle's scheme or pivots to a new system—will be a defining decision of the Bears' 2026 offseason.
Internal candidates could be considered, including quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph or pass game coordinator Thomas Brown, who has previous offensive coordinator experience. However, Johnson and Poles are expected to cast a wide net, potentially looking at candidates from the collegiate ranks or other NFL staffs known for innovative passing attacks or quarterback development. The timing of the hire is crucial, as the new coordinator will need to be in place to help evaluate offensive prospects at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and have a voice in any potential offensive free agent signings.
This change comes amidst other major offseason storylines for the franchise. The Bears' 2026 opponents were recently finalized, and the front office, led by Poles who is now under contract through 2029, is deeply immersed in Senior Bowl evaluations. Furthermore, the team faces salary cap considerations and must address key defensive needs, particularly improving the pass rush. The search for Doyle's replacement is now a top-tier priority, as ensuring Williams' continued growth and unlocking the offense's full potential is paramount to the Bears' aspirations of advancing deeper into the playoffs in the 2026 season.