The Chicago Bears already found their new offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and running backs coach over the past week. Only one spot they’d vacated when the off-season began left to fill was assistant offensive line coach. Luke Steckel hadn’t done the job they’d hoped for. Perhaps his limited background coaching the position had something to do with that. This time, they opted for somebody with considerably more experience in Jason Houghtaling.
He first started coaching offensive linemen at Wagner in 2007 and would continue to do so at various stops over the next several years. He even helped that same program produce their first-ever offensive lineman draft pick in Greg Senat, who went in the 6th round to Baltimore. After a brief stint at Colgate in 2020, he got a call from the Tennessee Titans to become their new assistant offensive line coach. After two years, he was promoted to run the offensive line himself. However, after Mike Vrabel was dismissed as head coach, Houghtaling became available.
Chicago chose to scoop him up as Chris Morgan’s new right-hand man.
Jason Houghtaling has a specialty the Bears will love.
While constant shuffling along the offensive line and QB changes led to some pass-blocking issues in Tennessee last year, one thing was evident about Houghtaling immediately. He could get strong run-blocking performances from his players. Dillon Radunz and Aaron Brewer both had career-high grades as run blockers. Both ranked in the top 25 of the entire league. Houghtaling also helped 1st round pick Peter Skoronski transition from his original position at left tackle to guard, where he had a solid rookie season.
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One thing about new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense in Seattle was they had no issues throwing the ball. Pass protection usually held up well enough. The problem was their struggles to generate movement in the ground game. Adding someone like Jason Houghtaling makes logical sense to cover that previous weakness. His teams at Wagner routinely topped 2,000 yards rushing per season. It appears to be his specialty. This is a solid hire, given how vital the run is to the wide-zone offense.
Hey Veece. The Titans might have been a better passing team if they didn’t trade away AJ Brown. Treylon Burks didn’t cover that loss. They did have to patchwork their OL due to injuries last year.
I’m not enough in the know to judge Chris Morgan yet. I do believe his father achieved the rank of Captain in one of the armed forces, but don’t quote me on that. I have to defer to Matt Ryan, who is way more familiar with the guy. I will say, the similarities to NE remain consistent. They freaked all season about trying to bring back Scarnecchia.
I think it was Tred, who placed C right behind LT, and I tend to agree with that.
Bane.. I appreciate the correction on my comment 😂😂. I do agree with the 2nd part of your comment.. I was really hoping Morgan would be shown the door. I personally think he was/is the worst coach on the staff. The line never progressed at all in handling everyday stunts/twists and they were undisciplined as a whole.
Every coaching staff needs a backwards hat guy. FACT. Hello, success.
WTF? Bears hired an OL coach from one of the NFL’s worst passing teams! Titans ran a lot and still gave up 64 sacks! 4th worst in the league!!! Why not hire a coach from teams that protect the QB like Top 5 BUFF, KC, GB, MIA or DET??? Nope. We pick from the bottom of the barrel! Morgan’s OL was lousy in pass protection and now we add an assistant who perfected how to allow more sacks!!! Don’t ya hate how these writers paint rosy fake pictures when we sign a coach or player without pointing out the obvious… Read more »