Expectations are high for new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, but one of his first major decisions is already raising concerns. Johnson has selected Declan Doyle as the team’s new offensive coordinator—a move that comes with considerable scrutiny and plenty of unanswered questions.
The primary concern surrounding Doyle’s hiring is his limited coaching experience. He has spent just two seasons as the Denver Broncos tight ends coach, a position group that was widely regarded as one of the weakest on the team.
More concerning is Doyle’s lack of experience in coaching quarterbacks—a crucial factor given the Bears’ urgent need to develop Caleb Williams following a disappointing rookie season. With Williams’ growth being a top priority, the expectation was that Johnson would bring in an offensive coordinator with a strong background in quarterback development. While Johnson himself will likely take an active role in shaping Williams’ progress, the decision to hire someone without direct quarterback coaching experience raises doubts about the team’s approach.
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Beyond quarterback development, Doyle will also be tasked with improving an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 68 sacks last season. This is an area where his time in Denver could prove valuable, as the Broncos allowed just 24 sacks last season—ranking third-best in the NFL. Doyle likely played a role in shaping Denver’s blocking schemes, particularly in utilizing tight ends to aid pass protection, which could benefit Chicago’s struggling offensive front.
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Another area where Doyle’s influence may be felt is in establishing a more physical running game—something both Johnson in Detroit and Doyle in Denver emphasized. Given this philosophy, it would not be surprising to see the Bears target a power running back, such as Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, on day two of the 2025 NFL Draft to complement their offensive approach.
On the positive side, Doyle comes from Sean Payton’s coaching tree in Denver, giving him exposure to one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds. The Bears will have to hope that this experience, combined with Johnson’s leadership, will be enough to help Williams take the next step in his development. However, with so many question marks surrounding Doyle’s qualifications, this hire will undoubtedly be one of the most scrutinized decisions of Johnson’s early tenure in Chicago.