Just when it appeared that the Chicago Bears had a clear path to retaining offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the franchise is facing a new roadblock. Doyle just took his name out of consideration for the Philadelphia Eagles OC vacancy and seemed to be heading back to the Bears. Now, Doyle has an opportunity to become the next OC for Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens requesting an interview. It is an undeniable step up with Ben Johnson calling the plays for Chicago and offering Doyle little chance to enhance his value heading into the 2026 season.
The Baltimore job is only more appealing after hiring Jesse Minter as head coach. Minter is a defensive-minded coach who will likely hand control of the offense over to his new coordinator. This potentially allows Doyle not only to call plays but to have full reign over the offense while coaching one of the league's elite talents in Jackson. If Doyle is offered the job, it is impossible to believe he will turn the chance down.
Opting to return to Chicago, rather than taking part in the ongoing drama with the Eagles, made plenty of sense. Doyle needs to make the most of his next landing spot to prove his success isn't simply a byproduct of Johnson's play-calling, and Philadelphia is a volatile place to attempt this. Baltimore offers the more physically gifted quarterback and more stability from its front office and ownership groups.
Bears Appear Likely to Lose Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle to AFC Contender
It is impossible to blame Doyle if the coordinator were to take the opportunity. There is also an advantage to having Johnson call plays with fans less concerned about offensive regression. A likely replacement could be current quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, who helped oversee Caleb Williams's breakout campaign in 2025 and is deserving of a promotion.
For the Bears, there is every reason to want to retain Doyle, but no reason for panic if the coach takes advantage of a chance to work with Lamar. Johnson's staff remains strong overall, and there is the needed cap space to make roster improvements, leaving the Bears as obvious NFC North favorites even if Doyle does opt to walk away.
Baltimore attempting to steal the magic of Johnson's offense is a wise decision and perhaps the best chance to set up a bounce-back year for Jackson, who is coming off a dismal 2025 season defined by injuries and devolving quarterback play. Furthering the fit is the fact that Doyle going to Baltimore removes any competition with Johnson and puts the coordinator into a wide-open AFC, making it clear that the coach is heading to a new landing spot if given the chance.