Harry Hiestand is fast becoming a favorite among informed Chicago Bears fans. The man comes with one of the most glowing reputations among assistant coaches in the entire NFL. The work he did at Notre Dame speaks for itself. Since he took over in South Bend, the Irish have now produced four first round draft picks including three top 10 picks and four-time Pro Bowler Zack Martin.
To think this man is now in charge of the talent the Bears have arrayed up front including Kyle Long, Cody Whitehair, and rookie James Daniels? It’s enough to get the adrenaline going about just how good this offensive line can be. After all, Chicago has seen this play before. In case some aren’t up to speed, this isn’t the first time Hiestand has worked his magic for this team.
He was running the offensive line back in the mid-2000s when the Bears ended up going to the Super Bowl. His fronts were physical and fundamentally sound. If there’s one thing he grew to appreciate during that time, it was how amazing the city became when the team was winning. That experience has formed the foundation for how he’s looking to motivate his new troops.
Harry Hiestand insists Chicago is like no other when the Bears win
Hiestand got a chance to speak during the Bears’ Organized Team Activities. He had sought for some time to get back into the NFL after doing pretty much everything there was to do in college. When the Bears opportunity opened up, he was delighted for a chance to return. Not just because of the opportunity, but because he has a chance at some unfinished business.
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“Chicago Bears. That’s an awesome, awesome place. A great franchise. It was something, I always wanted to go back, I didn’t know where I would get the opportunity. So I’m just very fortunate it just happened to be back at the same place that I was before. There are a lot of things that are different but there’s also a lot that’s the same. But it’s one of the — it is the greatest organization.
Historically, this is where it all began, and being part of it — and the other thing, and I told those guys when I got here, when we get it done here, you guys are going to see this city like you’ve never seen it. And I remember that. That’s what we’re after.”
It’s true. Chicago is a different place when the Bears win. Just look at how revered the 1985 team is to this day. They won one Super Bowl. Not even the 49ers dynasty who won four during the same decade get the same level of notoriety. Chicago is a football town and they turn winners into heroes like no other. Most of the players on that roster haven’t experienced this yet.
Hiestand has and he knows what it will take to get there.
