One of the weirdest things about the McCaskey family during their long time as owners of the Chicago Bears is how unwilling they are to bring former players back into the organization in new roles. One would think their vast football knowledge and love of the franchise would make them the exact sort of people to keep around. Yet when one looks at the Bears hierarchy, there isn’t a single former player to be found.
The only exception to this is Henry Burris, who is part of the coaching staff. He was a former quarterback for the Bears but he hardly holds a prominent position as a quality control coach. No senior advisors. Nothing. One person that is eager to see that change is Jerry Azumah. The former Bears cornerback and Pro Bowl returner sent out a plea to the organization to bring in former players to help with improving the direction of the franchise. Immediately other former teammates took up the call as well.
Cam Worrell, Olin Kreutz, and Charles Tillman.
@ChicagoBears should have an open discussion between the front office and former players about the direction of the Beloved #Bears 😎
— Jerry Azumah (@JerryAzumah) January 4, 2022
— Olin kreutz (@olin_kreutz) January 4, 2022
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Just let me know when and where. I’ve taken copious notes over the years. 🥜🥊 https://t.co/9otM1E80jM
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) January 4, 2022
— Cam Worrell (@CamWorrell) January 4, 2022
They aren’t the only ones either. Former safety Gary Fencik has said on multiple occasions he’d be more than happy to help the Bears if they reached out for help. The fact they haven’t is a testament to how sheltered and narrow-minded the McCaskeys continue to be. They aren’t surrounding themselves with the right people. People who have football experience and a genuine love for the franchise.
It isn’t hard to imagine guys like Kreutz and Tillman throwing themselves into the jobs immediately. They tasted what success can do for Chicago when the Bears are good. Getting back to that is their biggest wish. Every bit as much as the fans. It certainly couldn’t hurt to at least hear what they have to say. Yet ownership remains reliant on outside consultants.
Chicago Bears might actually take the advice this time
Just not in the way people might’ve expected. Rumors began circulating a few weeks ago that the team was in contact with Trace Armstrong. Not only a prominent NFL agent but also a former Bears defensive end. Now it’s been floated out there that the organization is interested in Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. A former quarterback who was drafted by Chicago in 1987 and played for them until 1993.
So they do seem more open than previous years to inject a Chicago Bears flavor back into their hierarchy. It certainly worked with Mike Ditka back in the 1980s. Dwayne Joseph, a former defensive back for the team, became a valued member of their front office in the early 2010s. So this approach can work. That is why it remains odd the team hasn’t embraced it more often.
Azumah is correct. This is a resource that remains untapped.
Hiring people that feel like they have a stake in making the Bears successful is never a bad thing. It sets a certain standard throughout the organization. Those unwilling to meet it can find the exit door. Those guys embodied hard work, toughness, and a will to win. Having them in the mix can only lead to good things.
