The Chicago Bears head coach candidate list continues here in an effort to dissect the possible staffs each one could build. For those who didn’t get a chance to read part one of the list, feel free to look it over here. This section of the list will include some of the lesser-known names and also some of the younger ones. Such reality can often lead to limited connections, but people might be surprised by some of the names involved.
Jim Bob Cooter
OC: Greg Knapp
Knapp brings a wealth of offensive experience to the table. He’s spent 10 seasons since 2001 as an offensive coordinator for four different franchises. When he had a good quarterback and decent weapons, his units were quite effective. As a quarterbacks coach in Houston he helped Matt Schaub become a Pro Bowler and then took the same job in Denver the same year Peyton Manning had his record-shatter season in 2013. That was where the two first met.
DC: Joe Barry
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Most people will sour on the idea of Barry being a defensive coordinator after his first two shots at the job were somewhat underwhelming in Detroit and Washington. Then again if one looked closer they’d see he worked with two units that were light on talent. One thing that stood out was his defenses’ were good at forcing turnovers. As a linebackers coach in Tampa Bay, San Diego and now Los Angeles he’s proving his worth when he has pieces to work with.
Pete Carmichael Jr.
OC: Brian Schottenheimer
The son of the great former head coach Marty Schottenheimer. Brian has carved out a respectable NFL career to this point. With his help Drew Brees emerged as a top quality passer in San Diego where he and Carmichael worked together. Then he took over as offensive coordinator with the New York Jets, eventually helping them to two-straight AFC championships. Their decision to let him go in 2012 proved disastrous, going from 13th in points scored to 28th. He already has nine years of coordinating experience at 44-years old.
DC: Mike Nolan
Nolan was and remains one of the better defensive minds in the NFL and he’s proving it again with the Saints. His arrival on their staff this year has been a huge boon, especially to their often struggling linebacker corps. Nolan has both coordinating and head coaching experience, much of the former successful. He’s produced a top 10 scoring defense eight times in his career and brings experience running a 3-4 system.
Harold Goodwin
OC: Randy Fichtner
This has been one of the better kept secrets in the NFL. Fichtner came to the NFL in 2007 where he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as wide receivers coach. That was around the same time Goodwin was assistant offensive line coach. After three seasons Fichtner moved to become quarterbacks coach, a position he’s held since. During that time Ben Roethlisberger has had the most productive stretch of his NFL career. One might say he’s long overdue for a shot at the coordinator job.
DC: Mike Caldwell
Like Goodwin, Caldwell actually spent some time as a Bear way back in 2002. He was a reserve linebacker for them. By 2008 he transitioned to coaching and has rapidly worked his way up the ladder. As linebackers coach with the Cardinals and Jets he’s had a ton of success developing players into credible defenders. Demario Davis and Darron Lee are both getting Pro Bowl buzz in 2017 thanks to his efforts.
John Morton
OC: Bo Hardegree
Morton is familiar with the work of Hardegree having coached against him a number of times when the Jets meet the Miami Dolphins. As quarterbacks coach Hardegree has done a solid job of getting standout play from the position despite a myriad of injury issues. Chicago should know him too. He was an assistant with the Bears in 2015 and helped them finish the year 11th in rushing. He’s a young and rising talent.
DC: Kevin Greene
Most people remember him as a fiery pass rusher who finished his career with 160 sacks and a Hall of Fame bust. They forget that Kevin Greene is also an accomplished coach. He helped the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl in 2010 and helped turn Clay Matthews into a star. In fact Matthews had double digit sacks three times in five seasons under Greene. Since the coach left he’s done it once in four. Greene is an aggressive personality but also an intelligent one who has a grasp of understanding the moment. He and Morton have gotten to know each other in New York with the Jets this year.
Todd Wash
OC: Keenan McCardell
One of the most underrated wide receivers in the past 20 years. McCardell was always overshadowed by somebody else when he played, but few receivers could match his knowledge and preparation for the game. It’s why he lasted such a long time. He got his coaching start with the Redskins where he got excellent production out of older receivers like Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney. Then he went to Maryland where he developed a young kid by the name of Stefon Diggs into a future draft pick. He has since returned to the NFL this year in Jacksonville, working across from Wash on offense.
DC: Perry Fewell
Fewell had reasonable success as a defensive coordinator in Buffalo and New York, winning the Super Bowl in 2011. His work with defensive backs is especially noteworthy. Chicago should know. Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher emerged as playmakers in 2005 thanks to his efforts. Like McCardell he has become familiar with Wash in Jacksonville. The experience he brings to the table would be immensely valuable for a young head coach.
Pat Shurmur
OC: Darrell Hazell
After a long and successful career coaching in the college ranks, Hazell has jumped to the NFL and been an instant hit. His efforts have helped turn Adam Thielen into a budding star. Before that he was head coach at both Kent State and Purdue. He was also responsible for producing future receivers Santonio Holmes, Brian Hartline and Ted Ginn Jr. during his stint Ohio State. While he wouldn’t call the plays, he’s shown he can be an effective organizer.
DC: Steve Spagnuolo
This is heavily dependent on whether the New York Giants coaching staff is gutted as many expect. If so Shurmur was likely jump all over Spagnuolo. The two worked together extensively in Philadelphia and St. Louis. “Spags” is an accomplished and experienced coordinator who has produced top 10 units multiple times, including a championship in 2007. For those Bears fans who want a more aggressive defense, this is your guy.
