There is a chance Matt Eberflus will return in 2024. His work with the Chicago Bears defense and the recent string of wins is helping his case. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean everything will stay the same. Many wonder what the future holds for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. His tenure has been disappointing thus far. Playcalling remains a big question mark with him. His feel for situations is lacking, and he has a bad tendency to lean into specific types of plays even if they aren’t working.
If the Bears plan to start fresh at quarterback, it isn’t unreasonable to think they might wish to do the same at offensive coordinator. The obvious question is who they might bring in to replace Getsy. After doing a scan of the various staffs around the NFL, here are some names to keep an eye on.
These names are worth watching if Luke Getsy is out.
In-house:
Andrew Janocko (QBs coach)
If the Bears don’t wish to shake things up too much, the obvious solution is promotion Janocko. He has multiple years of experience working in the wide-zone offense and understands how to communicate with quarterbacks. Calling plays would be totally new to him, so that this decision would be a gamble.
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Veterans:
Eric Bieniemy (Commanders OC)
Everybody expects Washington to clean house after the season. That will make Bieniemy a free agent. He’s proven to be one of the most capable offensive coordinators in the league. Kansas City won two Super Bowls with him in that position. Now Sam Howell ranks 6th in passing during his first full season as a starter. Bieniemy knows how to get the most out of guys, even if he’s still somewhat raw as a playcaller.
Darrell Bevell (Dolphins QBs coach)
Easily one of the most experienced offensive coordinators out there. Bevell has done the job for several different teams since 2006 and had lots of success. He reached the NFC championship with Brett Favre in 2009. Then, he won a Super Bowl with Seattle in 2013. Recent stints in Detroit and Jacksonville were marred by poor personnel and head coaching situations, but he’s rebounded in Miami, helping with Tua Tagovailoa.
Greg Olson (Seahawks QBs coach)
Another well-traveled former coordinator. Several stints didn’t go well, often because of crummy personnel situations. However, there were notable instances of success. His work with Derek Carr in Oakland and Las Vegas led to the quarterback’s best seasons. He also got career-best years from Josh Freeman and Blake Bortles. So, if you’re developing a young QB, this is a name to look into.
Bill O’Brien (Patriots OC)
People will slam this idea because of what’s happening in New England. That isn’t entirely fair. O’Brien has no QB and no pieces to work with. He is handcuffed. Yet he produced results when he had one or both in places like Houston or Alabama. The guy can be somewhat gruff and combative, but he understands how to work a balanced attack and mold a young QB.
Similar system:
Klint Kubiak (49ers PGC)
He is the son of former Super Bowl champion head coach Gary Kubiak, one of the original innovators of the wide-zone system under Mike Shanahan. Klint even ran the system on his own in 2021 for the Minnesota Vikings. It went pretty well, finishing 12th in total yards and 14th in points scored. Kirk Cousins made his third Pro Bowl. Justin Jefferson set a career-high in TD catches. Perhaps he deserves another shot. He’d undoubtedly bring more credibility than Luke Getsy had.
Zac Robinson (Rams QBs coach)
One thing we know about Sean McVay is he has a knack for identifying coaching talent. Several of his former assistants have gone on to great success elsewhere. Robinson looks like another of his pet projects. His ascent has been rapid, going from assistant QBs coach to passing game coordinator in only three years. He’s a former QB himself, having played as a backup in the early 2010s. It might be time for him to get a shot.
Wes Welker (Dolphins WRs coach)
The former All-Pro wide receiver shifted seamlessly to coaching in 2017, shortly after retiring. Since then, he’s found immediate success coaching his old position in both San Francisco and Miami. Both organizations run the wide-zone offense, so he has a keen understanding of how it works. His deep understanding of the NFL gives him a strong likelihood of becoming a capable play caller when given the chance.
