Chicago Bears Coaching Staff Properly Mixes Old and New School

Matt Nagy said he didn’t want a Chicago Bears coaching staff filled with guys who are the same. He wanted different voices in the building.

To his credit it’s been apparent by his maneuvers to this point that the 39-year old wasn’t lying. Looking over all the hires he’s made to this point, it’s clear he’s aiming in directions based a simple thinking. It’s apparent his desire is to bring the old school football mentality together with the new school way of thinking. It demonstrates a way of thinking that hasn’t been present at Halas Hall in many years. The Bears want to embrace their traditions, but winning in the NFL also doesn’t happen without being two steps ahead of the opponent.

History shows that staffs made up entirely of young guns who think they know everything almost never works. They always need that scatter of gruff, old lifers to remind them that all new things are not all good things. Sometimes the old fashioned way can be just as, if not more effective. The trick is finding a way to blend the style so they create something that can create success. Chicago is clearly aiming in that direction.

The Old Guard

News came down that Vic Fangio has officially returned to the Bears on a new three-year deal. Together with his right hand man, Ed Donnatell running the secondary they will be able to continue building on their excellent work to this point. Both have been around the NFL for decades. They may not be anything fresh but they took one of the worst defenses in franchise history and made it a top 10 unit within three years. That’s an outstanding piece of work they deserve to continue improving.

They’ll be joined by another blast from the past in the former of Harry Hiestand. He was with the Bears back in the mid-2000s, running their offensive line during the peak years of 2005 and 2006 when they reached the Super Bowl. Since then his work down in the college ranks have gained universal acclaim. Bringing him back is certainly going to regain a flavor this team wishes it never lost in the first place.

The Young Bucks

Say one thing for Nagy. He certainly stays true to his roots. This is a man who made his way to the NFL from the Arena Leagues. It seems rather fitting he’s sought out assistants who understand that same struggle and ceaseless drive to reach the top. Wide receivers coach Mike Furrey played with him back in those days and has since begun his ascent in the coaching ranks. At the same time the Bears are about to embark down a path they never have before. A path of new.

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That comes with the arrival of offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. The 44-year old was the architect of the breakneck spread attack that turned Oregon into a powerhouse program from 2009 to 2015. The innovations they brought to the table were often unstoppable. It’s that sort of forward-thinking that Chicago hasn’t had in a long time. Together with running backs coach Charles London they are a young and hungry group eager to prove their time has come.