Everybody knows the big names at this point. All the guys that figure to get the most attention when the head coach carousel truly begins after the end of the regular season on January 9th. Then names like Doug Pederson, Brian Daboll, Kellen Moore, Byron Leftwich, Josh McDaniels, and Nathaniel Hackett figure to get plenty of interviews for top jobs. Yet like with the NFL draft, sometimes it’s about hitting your stride at the right time. There always seems to be that one name who enters the chat at the last second. For the Chicago Bears, that could be Brian Callahan.
If you aren’t familiar with the name, it won’t be much longer before that changes. He is the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. The man who has overseen the development of quarterback Joe Burrow. This is relevant since the young QB has now thrown for 1,668 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions in his past six games. All while completing 72% of his passes. He is playing at an All-Pro pace with many wondering if he should be entering the MVP conversation.
Callahan deserves credit for Burrow’s rapid ascent.
He has been the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati since 2019. During that span the offense has gone from 30th in score his first year to 7th with two games left in 2021. Not only is Burrow flourishing, but running back Joe Mixon has 16 touchdowns this season as well. That doubles his previous career high. Everything is clicking for the Bengals as they zero in on the AFC North division title.
Callahan is only 37-years old but he’s been well-groomed by some strong head coaches. He was an assistant in Denver under John Fox and Gary Kubiak, reaching two Super Bowls in 2013 and 2015. Then he spent two seasons as the quarterbacks coach in Detroit working for Jim Caldwell. Not to mention his father is Bill Callahan, a former head coach who took the Raiders to the Super Bowl in 2002 and is viewed as one of the best offensive line coaches of this generation.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears need to at least consider meeting Callahan
His track record is hard to ignore. Born in Champaign, Illinois. A California state champion quarterback in high school. He played quarterback at UCLA. He’s gotten an education from some of the best coaches the NFL has seen over the years. Now he is applying those lessons in Cincinnati to great success. It might be too early for him to get the big job, but people said the same thing about Sean McVay.
It wouldn’t hurt the Chicago Bears to at least meet him. Indications are the team plans to cast a wide net this year, exploring all possible candidates. While it is still felt they might prefer somebody with experience, it only takes one strong interview to change things.
There is an element of risk involved.
Younger coaches aren’t always going to be hits despite what experts might lead you to believe. That said, there are plenty of examples to suggest it can work. Especially if the said coach has a proven track record. Something Nagy didn’t actually have when the Bears fired him. Callahan is different. He’s been at his job for three years now and has shown steady improvement. If Burrow finishes strong, it’ll be impossible to ignore him anymore.
