The Chicago Bears already have one of the best offensive playcallers in all of football. However, even an offensive mastermind like head coach Ben Johnson needs someone by his side. That's why losing offensive coordinator Declan Doyle at this point in the offseason was such a big blow.
Doyle will now call plays for the Baltimore Ravens as their OC, so it's a promotion even if his title isn't changing. Still, watching him leave to join new Ravens HC Jesse Minter's staff left a void that the Bears might not have enough time or suitable candidates to fill right now.
With that in mind, it's not much of a surprise to hear NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport report that the Bears could promote pass game coordinator Press Taylor to Doyle's old role.
“In the building, if there’s an option, Press Taylor would be considered to be an offensive coordinator candidate," Rapoport said on Tuesday. "Has done an excellent job at several stops. Certainly someone that Ben Johnson will consider."
Press Taylor Could Be Bears' Best OC Option
In all honesty, the Bears' chances of finding an upgrade at this point in the offseason are close to none. Most positions have already been filled, and even if that weren't the case, high-end candidates aren't likely to consider an offensive coordinator job with no play-calling responsibilities.
Taylor has been an NFL coach since 2013, and he has experience as an offensive coordinator. He served in that position with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2022 to 2024 before stepping back to become the Bears' pass game coordinator.
Taylor is already familiar with Johnson's system and body of work, so it would make sense to promote him instead of rolling the dice with an outsider. He's also served under prime offensive coaches, such as Frank Reich, Chip Kelly, and Doug Pederson.
Taylor played a big role in helping the Jaguars post franchise records in scrimmage yards (6,264) and helped quarterback Trevor Lawrence log two seasons with 4,000 passing yards and secure a massive contract extension. Then, with him in Chicago, the Bears' passing game went from being among the NFL's worst units to the top 10 in just a season, with QB Caleb Williams taking a big leap from his somewhat underwhelming rookie season.
Granted, plenty of that had to do with Johnson as well, but Taylor's hard work shouldn't go unnoticed. The Bears shouldn't bend over backwards to find a new offensive coordinator at this point in the offseason when they already have the right guy in front of them.