The Chicago Bears cannot help but enjoy a 2026 offseason that has started with division rivals losing several key leaders. This includes the Minnesota Vikings, who were the doormat of the 2025 NFC North, and really didn't have this margin for error. Regardless, the franchise has lost many key pieces. That trend has continued with Steelers Correspondent Mark Kaboly reporting that Pittsburgh has hired Vikings passing game coordinator/tight ends coach Brian Angelichio as the Steelers' new offensive coordinator.
It is a great opportunity for Angelichio, and another leader who a division rival has now lost. The coach was a valued and respected voice, and that was reaffirmed by earning a promotion as an offensive coordinator. This speaks to the respect he has earned and the loss the Vikings are suffering. The promotion for Angelichio has continued in the offseason trend in Minnesota of the franchise losing multiple key coaching pieces.
Perhaps the most notable is Daronte Jones, who was the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. Jones left to become the Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator. Defensive line coach Marcus Dixon departed to join the Dallas Cowboys, and offensive line coach Chris Kuper left after his contract wasn't renewed. Minnesota is undergoing dynamic changes for a staff that was one game away from the NFC's top seed in the 2024 season.
Bears Can't Help but Enjoy Minnesota's Continual Coaching Frustrations in Early Offseason
Assistant head coach Mike Pettine is gone, too, with the respected leader opting to retire rather than spend another season with Minnesota. Leading us to the final change thus far, with safeties coach Michael Hutchings opting to take a defensive coordinator position at the college level. In all, six respected pieces of the Vikings coaching staff have either been jettisoned or opted to walk away.
It has to be a huge concern for head coach Kevin O'Connell, who seemingly is unable to make the right decisions at quarterback or keep his coaching staff intact. Former Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold is starting in the Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks after the Vikings refused to pay him, instead handing the keys to the offense to J.J. McCarthy.
All of this adds up to Minnesota's franchise pushing itself in the wrong direction, all to the benefit of Chicago. There is no denying the excitement around the Vikings' coaching losses and the franchise opting to move forward with far less talent at quarterback. This should cement Minnesota as the inferior team in the NFC North, effectively removing any expectations of 2026 contention.
While the Bears have undergone a few coaching changes of their own, the overall stability of the roster and staff lends to believe that, as rivals continue to head in the wrong direction, the NFC North will go through Chicago in the 2026 season.