It really is remarkable how the Chicago Bears can’t seem to find an offensive coach who can do the job they’ve wanted them to do. The entire idea dating back to 2013 was to find a sort of Sean Payton-like coach. One who would run the team and direct the offense personally. That is what they wanted in Marc Trestman and again in Matt Nagy.

Now a lot of people are out there saying the Bears managed to find the same thing twice. Nagy is just Trestman all over again. However, if people really assess the situation? That isn’t true. Nagy is not Trestman. He’s the complete opposite of Trestman. In both a good and bad way.

Think about it.

Trestman was a decent offensive play caller who produced a top 10 offense his first year. The problem that became clear not too long into his tenure was a troubling lack of leadership. The man didn’t have the voice or the presence to command a locker room. When that happens, the more outspoken players are going to start causing trouble. The Bears saw that with Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett.

Nagy? He’s the complete antithesis. He’s a great leader who manages to get his team to play hard every week. The problem is his grasp of running an NFL offense is awful. His units haven’t finished higher than 21st in almost three and a half seasons. His offense hasn’t scored 21 or more points in 24 of 40 games.

So one could say Nagy is an improvement overall, but like Trestman he’s still holding the team back.

Matt Nagy still has time to save himself

The thing is Trestman was always doomed. He was the head coach. There was no way for him to relinquish the duties of being a head coach. Nagy though has a chance to save himself before it’s too late. He has the advantage of being able to surrender play calling duties while remaining the head coach. This wouldn’t be the first time in NFL history that has happened. Far from it.

Chicago has two guys on the staff with prior play calling experience. Bill Lazor did it in both Miami and Cincinnati. John DeFilippo did it in Minnesota and Jacksonville. Being the offensive coordinator, one would think Lazor would get the nod. Nobody would call him great at the job but he at least managed to get functionality out of some pedestrian units. The Bears would settle for that at this point.

Would Nagy actually do it?

That is the billion dollar question. He’s resisted that idea every time it’s been brought up since last year. This offense is his baby and he wants to see it through to success. Unfortunately, everything he’s tried isn’t working. His play calling is suspect and his personnel usage is even more questionable. How many more times must he watch a clown show like Monday night in L.A. before he realizes the last thing that might need to change is himself?

The next few days are going to tell a lot about where this season goes.