Sean Desai knows the level of expectations on his shoulders. Defensive coordinators for the Chicago Bears are held on a pretty high pedestal. For good reason too. George Allen? Buddy Ryan? Ron Rivera? Vic Fangio? All produced great defenses for this franchise. It is a prestigious position. The Bears took a considerable risk by hiring Desai given his inexperience at just two years as a position coach.
To his credit, the man doesn’t sound like somebody who is unprepared. From the moment he got the job, the 38-year old a few things clear. He has a plan for this defense. He expects his players to be detailed, disciplined, aggressive, and tough. Everybody flies to the football. All things that a smart coach would say. However, there is one other reality that was bound to set in.
Desai is different from his predecessors.
Fangio had a reputation for being straightforward and dry. Business-like in his approach but with the subtle ability to motivate his players. Chuck Pagano? He came across as a player’s coach. Laid-back in his personality. Desai? It’s quickly becoming apparent that he is neither of those men. Players have already warned that he is far more energetic and fiery than his press conferences would have you believe. Now there is video evidence to prove it.
Keep in mind this isn’t during an October game against the Packers. Desai is celebrating like that during a “back up” drill where the offense has to start from their own 1-yard line. When his defense delivered a safety, that was his reaction. So yeah, it is safe to presume the new Bears coordinator takes his job seriously.
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Sean Desai is already navigating some early challenges
If there is one thing that has characterized the beginning of the Bears’ 2021 training camp? It’s injuries. People are talking about the offensive line most of the time when discussing this. In truth, the defense is suffering too. Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman are both out as are Eddie Jackson and Tashaun Gipson. Four starters down. This isn’t counting Desmond Trufant who is in competition for one of the starting cornerback jobs.
As a result, Sean Desai has had to shuffle things around in order to compensate. By most accounts, he’s done a good job at that. Several reserves have really stepped up the past few days. DeAndre Houston-Carson had a huge interception on Friday. Newcomer Alec Ogletree has five over the past three days. Xavier Crawford? Angelo Blackson? All have had nice moments. Most would agree the defense has controlled the tempo of camp thus far.
That shouldn’t be a surprise.
Desai has the talent edge. Yet it’s his ability to control and motivate that talent that should have fans intrigued. One can only hope the unit has success this year. Not just because it will help the Bears win football games. Also because people may get a proper introduction to his celebrations on the sideline. That would certainly make for must-see television. This coming preseason should be educational.