With Declan Doyle on his way to the Baltimore Ravens to take over as their offensive coordinator, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson will now need to fill at least two positions on his staff for the next season.
The other vacant position is running backs coach, but Johnson should have at least a couple of options at his disposal. As for the offensive coordinator role, the Bears head coach could promote from within, elevating WRs coach/assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El, given how late we are in the coaching carousel.
However, earlier this week, Johnson saw Tanner Engstrand hit the open market after the New York Jets parted ways with him following one season as an offensive coordinator. Johnson worked with Engstrand during their time in Detroit, so there is a familiarity there between the two.
At the time, the Bears didn’t have an OC opening as Doyle was still on the coaching staff. But when it was revealed that Doyle would be heading to Baltimore, where he would call plays, the idea of Engstrand rejoining Johnson in the Windy City didn’t seem far-fetched. However, that dream has quickly gone awry as the Atlanta Falcons hired Engstrand to be their offensive passing game coordinator, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Ben Johnson Reunion with Tanner Engstrand out of Picture for Now
Rapoport also said that the former Jets offensive coordinator had multiple options and had been a “popular name” in recent days. One wonders if the Bears reached out to Engstrand to gauge his interest in coming to the Windy City.
If the Bears were able to land Engstrand, it would’ve been a nice addition to Johnson’s offensive coaching staff. As Engstrand has called plays before, even though Johnson would likely still do it, and worked with him in Detroit. Engstrand likely has a good feel for what Johnson likes to do within his offense.
That said, even though a reunion can’t happen this offseason, maybe there’s a chance again next year. If the Bears were to lose another OC following next season, thanks to another good year, and Engstrand does well in his role in Atlanta, it could open up that door again.
However, Johnson can’t focus on the future; he has to focus on the present, which is finding someone to take Doyle’s place. He saw what happened with Dan Campbell in Detroit this season and likely doesn’t want to go down that path.
As we previously mentioned, the easiest way for Johnson to fill the void at offensive coordinator is by promoting Randle El, which would be another huge step in his career. He has spent multiple years working alongside Johnson as a WRs coach. The Bears could also go with QBs coach J.T. Barrett, or maybe give the role to Will Lawning, who is reportedly joining Johnson’s staff.
With Engstrand off the board, Johnson doesn’t have much time to find an answer as free agency is on the horizon next month.