Ben Johnson’s first big coordinator move wasn’t a surprise. He needed a proven defensive coordinator to complement his offense. Dennis Allen became his choice. The former New Orleans Saints head coach is widely respected for his defensive play-calling. Johnson saved his swerve for the offensive side when he hired 28-year-old Declan Doyle to take over coordinating duties. This was easily one of the young people ever to take on the job in league history. While he won’t be calling plays, it was still somewhat odd. One would think Johnson might prefer somebody with more experience.
People inside the NFL don’t seem nearly as shocked. Nicholas Moreano caught up with a few league employees down at the Senior Bowl in Alabama. He asked around about the new Bears offensive coordinator. The feedback he got suggests Johnson knew exactly what he was doing with this hire.
Declan Doyle seems to be on the same path as Johnson.
Former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the story of how he visited the Miami Dolphins training camp in the mid-2010s. While watching practice, he took note of a young assistant coach who seemed to be everywhere and on top of everything. When he asked then-head coach Adam Gase about the guy, Gase said, “He’s going to be a superstar.” That young coach was Johnson. It seems as if history might be repeating itself. Declan Doyle is having a similar rapid rise up the ranks. He may not be proven, but his intelligence, work ethic, and attention to detail have caught the eyes of many. The fact people are surprised it took him this long to get a coordinator job (he’s been in the league for only six years) should tell you everything. Chicago may have landed a good one before anybody else recognized it.
