The Chicago Bears already found their new offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and running backs coach over the past week. Only one spot they’d vacated when the off-season began left to fill was assistant offensive line coach. Luke Steckel hadn’t done the job they’d hoped for. Perhaps his limited background coaching the position had something to do with that. This time, they opted for somebody with considerably more experience in Jason Houghtaling.
He first started coaching offensive linemen at Wagner in 2007 and would continue to do so at various stops over the next several years. He even helped that same program produce their first-ever offensive lineman draft pick in Greg Senat, who went in the 6th round to Baltimore. After a brief stint at Colgate in 2020, he got a call from the Tennessee Titans to become their new assistant offensive line coach. After two years, he was promoted to run the offensive line himself. However, after Mike Vrabel was dismissed as head coach, Houghtaling became available.
Chicago chose to scoop him up as Chris Morgan’s new right-hand man.
Jason Houghtaling has a specialty the Bears will love.
While constant shuffling along the offensive line and QB changes led to some pass-blocking issues in Tennessee last year, one thing was evident about Houghtaling immediately. He could get strong run-blocking performances from his players. Dillon Radunz and Aaron Brewer both had career-high grades as run blockers. Both ranked in the top 25 of the entire league. Houghtaling also helped 1st round pick Peter Skoronski transition from his original position at left tackle to guard, where he had a solid rookie season.
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One thing about new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense in Seattle was they had no issues throwing the ball. Pass protection usually held up well enough. The problem was their struggles to generate movement in the ground game. Adding someone like Jason Houghtaling makes logical sense to cover that previous weakness. His teams at Wagner routinely topped 2,000 yards rushing per season. It appears to be his specialty. This is a solid hire, given how vital the run is to the wide-zone offense.
