New Chicago Bears coaches are brought in primarily for their expertise in given areas. However, there can always be an added bonus to their arrivals. Depending on their depth of experience, they may be able to exploit connections to some of their former players. Guys who liked playing for them and wouldn’t mind doing so again. Not necessarily superstars of course but quality depth options who could help the team during a long, grueling season.
As things stand, there are four brand new faces on the coaching staff who have prior NFL experience. The only addition who doesn’t is running backs coach Michael Pitre who was exclusively in college before coming to Chicago. Do any of these fresh faces have some potential phone calls they could make. Players that would actually benefit the team provided they can be had for cheap?
The answer is yes.
Chicago Bears coaches have some strings they can pull
Bill McGovern (ILBs) – Alec Ogletree
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After an extended run in the college ranks, McGovern made his jump to the NFL a few years ago and latched on with the New York Giants in 2016. Alec Ogletree arrived in 2018 and the two actually ended up putting together a really productive season. Ogletree made 93 tackles and intercepted a career-high five passes. Two of which he returned for scores. He’s only 29-years old and the Bears have questions about their depth at inside linebacker. Especially given the shaky health records of Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan.
Chris Rumph (DL) – Jonathan Bullard
How ironic would this be? The Bears drafted Bullard back in 2016 but the former 3rd round pick never quite lived up to the potential he showed at Florida. His defensive line coach during most of that run? Yep, it was Rumph. That familiarity can mean a lot in such circumstances. Not only does Bullard know the organization, he has a strong connection to the position coach too. The Bears have a need for cheap depth up front. Bullard is still only 28-years old. It shouldn’t be a hard sell.
Christian Kirksey shut things down REAL QUICK 😡😡 @Kirko58 pic.twitter.com/yxNlh3nD8P
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 17, 2019
Mike Pettine (Senior) – Christian Kirksey
Pettine may have been run out of Green Bay this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he lacks the respect of his players. The guy was a solid defensive coordinator. He just became the scapegoat for another franchise failure to reach the Super Bowl. Could he possibly lure somebody from up north to Chicago? One that might make sense is Kirksey. The veteran inside linebacker may have a chance to start somewhere else but if not he would make a perfect #3 guy behind Smith and Trevathan. He can tackle, blitzes well, and has improved in coverage too. He’s struggled to stay healthy though.
Mike Adams (S) – Kawann Short
The advantage of being a recently retired player is that Adams has multiple connections outside his position than other Bears coaches would. Kawann Short was recently released by the Carolina Panthers. The former Pro Bowler was teammates with Adams in 2017 and 2018. Back then he was still a terror on the interior of the Panthers’ defensive line. However, injuries have ended his last two seasons early. Depending on his price, Chicago would be a great place for him to come in as a rotational guy. This would decrease the wear and tear on his body and give the Bears another stout lineman when healthy.