There was some surprise when the Chicago Bears announced that Denver Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle would be serving as Ben Johnson's offensive coordinator.
Of course, as is usually the case with an offensive-minded head coach, Johnson will be the one calling plays. Having said that, there was an expectation that Johnson may turn to a familiar face such as Hank Fraley to serve as his understudy. Instead, Johnson turned his attention to Sean Payton's coaching staff with the Broncos and tabbed Doyle as his offensive coordinator.
On Thursday, the Bears held introductory press conferences for their new coordinators. Among the talking points that Doyle had, was defining his responsibilities as the team's offensive coordinator.
"Ben is gonna have less time than he's ever had as a play caller, kinda figure out what that looks like...detail the game plan initially. I have to do the work that he's not gonna have time to do and he's gotta trust me that I'm gonna give him the correct information he needs," Doyle explained.
Declan Doyle will be doing the grunt work for Ben Johnson
In other words, it seems that Doyle will be establishing the base for the offense each week. This means that Doyle will likely be tasked with reviewing the opposing team's defense and providing Johnson with the information as he draws up his offensive game plan for the week. Doyle may not be the one calling plays on Sunday, but his information will be key in Johnson's making sure the offense is ready each week.
Doyle being successful in relaying the information to Johnson will be a key part of the Bears' game day operation. For the first time in his coaching career, Johnson will be in charge of the entire operation. Sure, Dennis Allen is the de facto head coach of the defense but the responsibility of defensive challenges and timeout will ultimately fall in the lap of Johnson. In other words, Johnson won't be able to have exclusive attention paid to the offense. If Doyle is able to fill in those gaps, his rise as coach in the NFL will be accelerated.
