Harry Hiestand knows offensive line play. He’s done some of the best work among offensive line coaches for the past two decades. A good chunk of it with the Chicago Bears. One area he’s proven especially good at is the interior at both guard and center. The list of notable names he’s coached at those positions are extensive.
Of course, most people start with Dallas Cowboys All-Pro guard Zack Martin. There was also former New York Giants Pro Bowler David Diehl. There was also Rueben Brown, a former nine-time Pro Bowler. However, most would agree the gold standard that Hiestand coaches in his time was Olin Kreutz, the six-time Pro Bowl center for the Bears.
So Hiestand has seen and coached some of the best at that position. He knows what is supposed to look like. That is why what he told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune that much more eye-opening about second-year man James Daniels and why he is moving to center.
“James is a natural center,” Hiestand said. “Cody became a center when he came to Chicago. James is more natural in there. It’s his best position. He can be special. It’s where he is most comfortable and Cody can do both.”
Being called special by Hiestand is a big deal for James Daniels
Hiestand is known for being a tough coach. He is hard on his guys because he wants and expects them to be the best they can be. So when a guy like that calls an offensive lineman special? It’s worth taking note of. This guy has coached some of the best to do it at their respective positions. If he thinks Daniels can truly be great at center, it’s not the place of anybody to argue.
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The fact is the 21-year old became a 2nd round pick playing that position. Many felt he should’ve been a 1st rounder. He has the experience, the athleticism, and the knowledge of how to play it. The Bears wanted to wait until he had a season of NFL play under his belt before making the switch. His confidence and comfort are much higher now. The transition should be relatively seamless.
