Chicago Bears: Former player Donovan Raiola new assistant OL coach
By Eric Brown
The Chicago Bears are looking to become a force on the offensive line next season, now hiring former player Donovan Raiola as their new Assistant OL coach.
Just less than a month after luring Harry Hiestand away from Notre Dame University, where he led one of the most prolific offensive line units in all of college football, the Bears have hired his former Assistant OL coach to the same position. Former NFL player Donovan Raiola will be donning a Bears polo this upcoming season.
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Primarily a practice squad player, Raiola spent six season in the NFL. He started his career with the then St. Louis Rams, then traveled to Pittsburgh before heading back to the Rams. He then spent short stints with Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals before he chose to sign wit the Bears before the 2009 season.
Despite never playing a single snap for Chicago, the name Raiola is known in Chicago. His brother Dominic Raiola spent 14 seasons with the Lions, including the 2014 season when he stepped on Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson‘s ankle. You can watch the video here.
As for Raiola and Hiestand’s new job with the Bears, they will have their work cut out for them. Despite having some past early-round talent at the offensive line positions, Chicago has routinely under-performed as a group.
The team also has plenty of questions on the line. Do they move Cody Whitehair to a different position? Do they resign Josh Sitton and Charles Leno? Or do they simply draft one of the best offensive line prospects, who just happen to be from Heistand’s former school?
Next: Should Bears draft a backup QB?
What do you think of this latest signing to join Matt Nagy’s coaching staff? Are you ready to see the name Railoa on the Bears staff despite being infamous with fans?