The Chicago Bears have already begun the offseason proper of evaluating their roster and formulating a plan to overhaul it. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus weren’t granted much time to settle in. That is part of the reality every team faces when they change at the top. As a result, the coaching staff remains incomplete.
Luke Getsy and Alan Williams have arrived as offensive and defensive coordinators. Williams’ staff is mainly complete outside of one spot. Getsy, meanwhile, has two position groups still without a coach. This doesn’t even account that Chicago is still trying to replace Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. Here are some names to watch as possible options in the coming week with all of this in mind. Either due to schematic fit or connections to those already on the payroll.
Chicago Bears have several good options to fill out rest of staff
Running backs
Eric Studesville – One of the best running back coaches out there. Studesville’s first time at the position, ironically, was with the Bears from 1997 to 2000. After that, he had successful stops in New York, Buffalo, Denver, and Miami. Names like Tiki Barber, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Knowshon Moreno, C.J. Anderson, and Myles Gaskin can all credit their early career development to him. His work with Gary Kubiak with the Broncos also gives Studesville the necessary experience in that Shanahan outside zone style.
Kennedy Polamalu – The uncle of former Pittsburgh Steelers great Troy Polamalu. This man has a long-established reputation for excellent work coaching the position. Maurice Jones-Drew became a Pro Bowler in Jacksonville under his direction. Paul Perkins became draft-eligible thanks to their time together at UCLA. He also oversaw the early development of Reggie Bush at USC. Yet his best work is probably with Dalvin Cook in Minnesota, where the 2nd round pick went from disappointment his first two years to three-time Pro Bowler since.
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Tight ends
Brian Pariani – Another member of the Vikings staff. This one though has far deeper roots in the Shanahan offense than most. Pariani worked with the Shanahans themselves and Kubiak on several occasions dating back to 1995. Shannon Sharpe, Owen Daniels, and Tyler Conklin were some of the major successes he molded during a long career. Pariani would know exactly what is required from this position under Getsy’s designs.
Wade Harman – When a man wins Super Bowls coaching his position, it’s worth noticing. His notable projects that yielded significant results were Todd Heap, Dennis Pitta, Ed Dickson, and Levine Toilolo. His connections to the Baltimore Ravens should have him on the radar of assistant GM Ian Cunningham. At the same time, his work with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta and Gary Kubiak in Minnesota makes him a strong choice for Getsy.
Defensive line
Rod Marinelli – Chicago Bears fans should know him well. Marinelli was the defensive coordinator for the team from 2010 to 2012. A successful stretch for the unit. One characterized by high-effort, swarming play. The exact style Eberflus champions. It shouldn’t be a surprise since Marinelli is one of his mentors. Though 72-years old, the man is still one of the best defensive line coaches in the business, as he proved this past season again with the Las Vegas Raiders, where his group alone had 33.5 sacks.
Brian Baker – This would be the easiest solution. Eberflus has already brought over most of his staff from Indianapolis. Why not the defensive line coach too? Baker did great work with the Colts defensive front the past two years. His experience goes back way further with the same job at stops like Alabama, Mississippi State, Dallas, Cleveland, Carolina, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Detroit. He has seen it all and will undoubtedly understand what must be done in Chicago.
Special teams
Darren Rizzi – A man with a wealth of coordinating experience on special teams. It stretches back to 1998. It shouldn’t be a surprise that he is one of the best out there. Since 2019, the New Orleans Saints have finished 1st, 5th, and 5th in special teams rankings according to expert Rick Gosselin. If the team makes an outside hire at head coach following the exit of Sean Payton, then the Chicago Bears would be foolish not to throw all the money at him.
Andy Hill – It is all about connections in the NFL. Hill was the first-ever special teams coordinator at the University of Missouri. A place where he met and worked with Eberflus for eight seasons. After finally leaving, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as their assistant special teams coordinator. He got the chance to learn under the great Dave Toub while also building ties with Ryan Poles. If the Bears strike out on the bigger names, then Hill would make plenty of sense.
