Matt Eberflus’ coaching staff underwent multiple changes this past year. Most people remember the ones that were by no means planned. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned three games into the season under mysterious circumstances. Running backs coach David Walker soon followed. Both were reportedly ushered out the door by Chicago Bears HR, indicating some troubling off-the-field issues. However, many fans likely forgot another notable name had left the team earlier in the year.
Defensive backs coach James Rowe had followed Eberflus over from Indianapolis. Many felt he was an up-and-coming assistant with a bright future. His first year seemed fine. Rookie Kyler Gordon had four interceptions. Jaquan Brisker had over 100 tackles and four sacks. Eddie Jackson rebounded with four interceptions, too. That is why it was a surprise when Rowe left the team during the off-season for a job at South Florida. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune finally revealed that it may not have been entirely voluntary.
Eberflus may have had a hand in the decision.
“Given a second hire in the secondary, Eberflus made a significant upgrade when he added Jon Hoke as passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach, replacing James Rowe, who left late last season to go to South Florida. Given that it was a lateral move to a non-Power Five school, that led me to believe Rowe was encouraged to depart. The upshot is Hoke, in his second stint as an assistant for the Bears, has been excellent with rookie cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith and the group as a whole.”
Matt Eberflus’ decision ended up paying off.
It isn’t clear what Rowe did to convince Eberflus that a change was needed. While the secondary wasn’t great in 2022, it wasn’t a complete liability either. Progress was made over the course of the season. Apparently, the head coach didn’t like what the assistant was doing. So when the job at South Florida came open, Rowe was encouraged to take it. This way, Eberflus didn’t have to fire him outright. That allowed him to bring in the far more experienced Jon Hoke, who’d already worked in Chicago years prior with Lovie Smith.
One can’t argue the results. Jaylon Johnson and rookie Tyrique Stevenson both have four interceptions. Gordon has two. Four other defensive backs have one apiece. It’s hard to deny that Hoke’s arrival did not profoundly impact their production. After all, that was something he had proven capable of for years. It is probably a big reason Matt Eberflus wanted him. Turnovers are a critical part of his defensive philosophy. Whatever the exact reasons for the decision, it may have ended up saving his job.
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