The Chicago Bears are in the midst of one of the most crucial offseasons in recent memory. After yet another disappointing season in 2023, the team is looking to reset its trajectory. With a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields and a stockpile of draft capital, the Bears have a rare opportunity to rebuild their roster into a contender. However, before they can focus on player acquisitions and draft selections, the most immediate priority for the franchise is finding a new head coach.
As the Bears embark on their search for the next leader of their football team, rumors and reports have begun to surface, with the franchise reportedly doing “serious homework” on a number of potential candidates. One name that has gained significant attention is Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, Josh Boyer, along with Dolphins’ assistant GM Reggie McKenzie. While these rumors have yet to be confirmed, the Bears’ interest in figures from the Dolphins organization is raising eyebrows across the NFL landscape.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what these rumors could mean for the Bears, the coaching candidates they may be eyeing, and what qualities they’ll likely prioritize in their search for a new head coach.
### **The Importance of This Coaching Hire**
Before delving into specific candidates, it’s crucial to understand why this head coaching hire is so significant for the Bears. The team has been mired in mediocrity for the better part of two decades, and they haven’t had a stable quarterback situation since the days of Jay Cutler. After trading up to select Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bears were hoping to finally find their franchise quarterback. But Fields’ development has been uneven, largely due to a lack of consistent coaching, offensive support, and a dysfunctional roster.
The Bears are now in the midst of deciding whether Fields is their long-term answer under center. To make that determination, they need a head coach who can mold and develop a quarterback. Chicago’s next leader needs to be someone who can install a dynamic offense, put the right pieces around Fields, and help elevate his play. But the coach also has to bring balance to a defense that, at times, has looked dysfunctional, especially in 2023 when injuries and a lack of talent made it difficult for the unit to perform at a high level.
This search, then, isn’t just about finding a coach who can work with Justin Fields; it’s about bringing in someone who can build a comprehensive system that allows both sides of the ball to thrive. It’s a high-pressure hire that could ultimately define the Bears’ success for years to come.
### **Miami Dolphins’ Influence on the Bears’ Search**
With reports suggesting that the Bears are doing serious homework on Dolphins’ figures like defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and assistant GM Reggie McKenzie, it’s clear that they are looking at a mixture of candidates with both head coaching and front-office experience. The Dolphins have been one of the more successful franchises in recent years, building a competitive team with a solid coaching staff and organizational structure.
#### **Josh Boyer – A Defensive Mind with Playoff Experience**
One name that has emerged in connection with the Bears’ coaching search is Josh Boyer, who currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins. Boyer has been with the Dolphins since 2019, working in various capacities before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. Under Boyer’s leadership, the Dolphins’ defense has become one of the more competitive units in the NFL, especially against the pass. Miami ranked as one of the top defenses in terms of forcing turnovers, and they’ve been able to effectively disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
For the Bears, this could be an appealing option, especially if they are looking for a defensive-minded head coach who can turn their defense around. The Bears’ defense, while boasting some solid individual pieces, has been inconsistent, and a coach like Boyer could help stabilize that unit. The NFL has become an offensive-driven league, but a strong defense remains crucial, especially in the NFC North, where physical play and competitive division rivals like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings demand strong defensive showings.
Boyer also has a reputation for developing young players, which would be an asset to the Bears, particularly with the development of their young defensive players like Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and Trevis Gipson. His ability to get the most out of his defensive backs could be pivotal in transforming a Chicago defense that has underperformed relative to expectations.
However, Boyer’s candidacy may come with a couple of concerns. As a defensive-minded coach, it remains to be seen whether he can effectively oversee the offensive development of Justin Fields, which is arguably the Bears’ most important need. The next head coach needs to be able to craft a system that maximizes Fields’ strengths, and there’s no guarantee that Boyer, with his defensive background, would be the right fit in that regard. Therefore, it’s likely that the Bears would need to pair him with an offensive-minded coordinator who could take the reins of Fields’ development.
#### **Reggie McKenzie – A Front-Office Presence with a Wealth of Experience**
Another name reportedly under consideration is Reggie McKenzie, the assistant GM of the Dolphins. McKenzie is a highly respected figure in the NFL’s front-office circles, having served as the general manager of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2018. During his time with the Raiders, McKenzie helped build a roster that, at least for a brief period, showed promise. After his time in Oakland, McKenzie joined the Dolphins, where he has continued to contribute to Miami’s success.
If the Bears are indeed interested in McKenzie, it signals an emphasis on the organizational side of things, not just the coaching aspect. The Bears have had issues with their front-office management in the past, and bringing in an experienced GM like McKenzie could be a smart move to ensure the right pieces are put in place for a rebuild. McKenzie has a keen eye for talent, and his experience in constructing a roster would serve the Bears well, especially with a bevy of draft picks and salary cap space on the horizon.
This type of hire would allow the Bears to focus on a head coach who can bring energy and vision to the team while having a strong front-office presence to handle the roster building. If McKenzie is hired, he could work hand-in-hand with the new head coach to ensure that the team’s strategy is aligned both in terms of player acquisition and overall team development.
### **What the Bears Are Likely Looking for in a Head Coach**
The rumors about Boyer and McKenzie suggest that the Bears are casting a wide net in their search, weighing both the coaching and organizational elements of the hire. However, the Bears’ ultimate goal will be to find someone who is well-versed in managing both sides of the ball while developing Justin Fields into a franchise quarterback. Here are a few qualities the Bears are likely looking for:
1. **Offensive Innovation**: The ability to create a system that works for Justin Fields is paramount. Whether it’s a coach with a background in developing quarterbacks, a creative offensive mind, or someone who can bring fresh ideas to the table, the Bears need someone who can build around Fields’ strengths and unlock his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
2. **Defensive Acumen**: Even though the offense is the immediate priority, a head coach with defensive know-how could still be a huge asset. The Bears need someone who can balance both sides of the ball, with a solid understanding of how to structure a competitive defense.
3. **Leadership and Culture**: The next head coach must be a strong leader who can unite the locker room, build a winning culture, and set a standard of accountability. The Bears have struggled with inconsistency in this area, and a coach who can instill discipline and resilience is essential.
### **Conclusion**
As the Bears continue their search for a new head coach, the rumors surrounding Josh Boyer, Reggie McKenzie, and others suggest that the franchise is doing its due diligence on a range of potential candidates. The 2023 season was a disappointment, but it has also provided the team with an opportunity to reset. With the right coaching hire, the Bears can turn things around, develop Justin Fields into a superstar, and become a legitimate contender in the NFC North.
Whether the Bears ultimately land on Boyer, McKenzie, or someone else remains to be seen, but the next hire will play a defining role in shaping the future of the franchise. For Bears fans, the hope is that the team’s leadership can make the right choice and start the next chapter on the right foot.
