One thing people tend to learn about the NFL or any sport for that matter? Don’t trust the personality players or coaches present to the cameras. It’s almost always a false representation of who they really are. When listening to Sean Desai, the new Chicago Bears defensive coordinator? He sounds like a classic college professor. Composed, dignified, a little stoic, and always knowing what he wants to accomplish.
There is plenty of truth in that. At the same time, it isn’t telling the entire story. Desai is a competitor. He wants to win and have success as much as anybody else. Apparently, this leads to him revealing a somewhat fiery side to his personality when away from the cameras. His players have experienced it a number of times. Bilal Nichols offered some insight into what it is like.
It sounds like a man committed to his obsession.
“First of all, when we get on the field, there’s a switch. He be juiced up. Even in meetings too – I don’t think you guys see that side of him. He’s very passionate about what he does. He’s not going to let anyone outwork him. As players, that’s what you want out of your coach. Somebody that’s going to be out there with you through thick and thin, that’s giving it their all. He’s just amazing, for real. He’s done a great job so far. There’s a lot of excitement about it.”
None of this should be a surprise. Desai is operating like somebody with a lot to prove. That is to be expected. Not only is he the first Indian-American to ever hold a coordinator position in NFL history, but he’s also one of the youngest at age 38. If that weren’t enough, this is something he battled to get going all the way back to 2013 when he was a lowly quality control coach.
The man survived the departure of two head coaches and three coordinators while still rising up the ranks. A testament to what the team sees in him. This isn’t an overnight thing. Desai’s ascent has been hinted at going back a number of years. It’s finally his big opportunity to shine. He doesn’t plan to waste it. So the defense can expect everything he has getting thrown into this job.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Sean Desai influence is already felt at training camp
When he first took over, Desai didn’t mince words. He made it clear what his expectations were of the Bears defense. Energy, effort, discipline, and toughness. If you aren’t willing to offer that? Have fun on the sideline. Thus far the impact is tangible. The defense has owned the early part of training camp thus far, playing with an urgency that seemed to be lacking at this time last year. Everybody is flying to the football. Everybody is going for the turnover.
That is exactly what Sean Desai preached from Day 1. To see it take effect so swiftly is a great sign. Especially for a defense littered with older veterans like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan. Often motivating guys like that can be a challenge for a young coordinator. If you can get them to buy in? Everybody else will follow suit.
The big test looms ahead.
Getting the players to practice hard is one thing. Desai will have to back it up on the field. He faces a pretty brutal first half of the 2021 season. A stretch that includes the Rams, Browns, Raiders, Packers, Buccaneers, 49ers, and Steelers. All offenses with good quarterbacks, good coaches, or both. There will be no tiptoeing into this new environment. It’s swim or drown.