The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for ex-offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's replacement after he left his role in the Windy City to join Jesse Minter's staff with the Baltimore Ravens as Lamar Jackson's next OC.
While Doyle did not call plays for the Bears this past season, as that was head coach Ben Johnson's job, as fans are well aware. The former OC in Chicago played a role in the team's game planning throughout the week and, as tight end Cole Kmet shared, was more vital to the team's offensive success than he may have been given credit for.
Now, Chicago's pursuit of a potential replacement, Arizona Cardinals pass-game specialist Connor Senger, has taken a turn as the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly thrown their hat in the ring, as well, according to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. Adding to the competition to land the highly sought-after offensive coach.
Eagles Throw New Wrench in Way of Bears' Connor Senger Pursuit
Philadelphia already filled its offensive coordinator vacancy by hiring Sean Mannion. So, the Bears have that edge over the Eagles when it comes to the allure of the potential title Senger would be taking on. With that said, Senger wouldn't be calling plays in Chicago either, which could make any decision less straightforward than it would appear on paper.
Senger has been promoted in three consecutive offseasons, starting as an offensive quality control coach in 2023, then moving up the ladder to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024, before finally serving as Arizona's pass-game specialist during the 2025 campaign. Whether it comes in the Windy City, the City of Brotherly Love, or another NFL town, this string of promotions seems likely to continue in 2026.
If there is something that could help push the momentum in Chicago's favor in the Bears' pursuit of Senger, it is the close, personal relationship Johnson holds with Senger's former boss in Arizona, newly minted Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
No other NFL coach knows exactly what Senger can bring to the table for this Bears franchise than Petzing, and, despite being division rivals now, Johnson should do everything in his power to leverage that relationship into a much-needed hire for Chicago.
The deeper we move into the offseason, the more viable options to fill this role will be limited. Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles need to make the right move, and it needs to happen soon. Given what we have seen thus far, letting Senger slip away to the Eagles, of all teams, would be a blow to the Bears moving forward.