Of all the new coaches the Chicago Bears added since January, none came with more of a glowing reputation than Harry Hiestand. The new offensive line coach just finished one of the most prolific runs for a college assistant coach in recent memory. With the recent additions of Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey, Hiestand produced four first round picks in the NFL draft dating back to 2014 out of Notre Dame.
This doesn’t include two others who were second and third rounders respectively. Suffice to say Hiestand appears to be good at his job. Then again the Bears knew that already. He was their offensive line coach during their peak years in 2005 and 2006 under Lovie Smith. In those days they ran the ball so well and actually protected the quarterback too.
People are itching with excitement to see what he can do with this current crop of young talent they’ve assembled. The thing is some are warning that the poor blockers have no idea what’s coming. Hiestand didn’t get to be as good as he is by accident. His reputation was earned and earned the hard way.
Former Harry Hiestand pupils warning of coming trials
Hiestand has coached a lot of good linemen in his time. Most have nothing but respect for him. In fact, some seem to take a personal delight in naive view many have before entering his sphere of influence. That was on display recently. A photo of rookie Bears offensive linemen appeared on Twitter.
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It was at this point that Mike Golic Jr., who played for him at Notre Dame, couldn’t help but comment.
ahh, the blissful life before ever knowing a Heistand individual period. Enjoy it while it lasts! https://t.co/A1p5KfE9As
— Mike Golic Jr (@MGolicJR57) May 11, 2018
It seems he’s not the only one with a small measure of Hiestand PTSD. Former Irish teammate Ronnie Stanley, current left tackle of the Baltimore Ravens, reinforced the ominous feel with a comment of his own.
It’s all smiles now😂😂
— Ronnie Stanley (@IamtheGuru79) May 11, 2018
Is it really that bad? Well, a coach doesn’t get to be one of the best by being a pushover. In truth, the reason Hiestand may not be well-liked by some he’s coached in the past is he’s a perfectionist. Rookie second round pick James Daniels, a top lineman from Iowa, got his first take of him at minicamps. He explained what sets the coach apart from others.
“He’s very detail-oriented when he’s coaching stuff, and I really appreciate that,” Daniels said. “When we were doing drills and individual, he actually takes the time to talk about each individual drill and why hold your hands this certain way or why your feet are this way. I really appreciate with how detailed he was in every single drill we did.”
Many coaches don’t do this. They simply shout instructions at players to do it a certain way and remove them if they fail. Hiestand is a teacher. His job isn’t just to instruct but to help understand. Students perform better when they not only understand the “what” but also the “why” of doing something.
This sort of process is not easy, and that’s why some don’t like it. If being great were easy, then everybody would do it. That’s why Hiestand produces such quality talent. He coaches with greatness in mind and expects nothing less.
