Windy City Gridiron - Chicago Bears Head Coach John Fox & StaffA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2015-02-11T12:00:05-06:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/73216882015-02-11T12:00:05-06:002015-02-11T12:00:05-06:00Bears Coaching changes and mini camp dates
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<figcaption>Ben Wilkerson, new assistant offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears | NFL Photos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Earlier today the Chicago Bears made a few moves to their coaching staff and yesterday they announced their mini camp dates. Here are all the details on the latest Bears' news.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> have announced the hiring of <span>Ben Wilkerson</span> as assistant offensive line coach. While at LSU, Wilkerson won the 2004 Rimington Trophy as the best college football center in the nation. He will work under current o-line coach Dave Magazu, who was brought over from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> by current Bears head coach <span>John Fox</span>.</p>
<p>With Magazu and Wilkerson in the fold, the Bears announced that former o-line coach Pat Meyer will not return to the team. Also relieved of his duties was defensive quality control coach <span>Chris Harris</span>.</p>
<p>Wilkerson played in the NFL from 2005-2008 with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, he played with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009 and he began his coaching career in 2011. He has 4 years coaching experience in the collegiate and high school ranks.</p>
<p>Yesterday the Bears revealed their mini camp schedule. Since they have a new coaching staff in place they are allowed to have an extra voluntary veteran mini camp which will take place from April 28-30.</p>
<p>May 8-10 is the mandatory rookie mini camp and June 16-18 is the mandatory team mini camp.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/2/11/8019583/chicago-bears-make-changes-coaching-staff-mini-camp-datesLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-02-05T17:03:29-06:002015-02-05T17:03:29-06:00Bears hire Stan Drayton to coach RBs
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<p>The Bears may not have finished rounding out their coaching staff after all, naming Stan Drayton as their running backs coach Thursday. Drayton has spent the past four years with Ohio State.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> named Ohio State University Buckeyes running backs coach Stan Drayton to the same position Thursday.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have hired Stan Drayton as running backs coach; he spent last 4 years at Ohio State, helped Buckeyes win national title in '14.</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/563464062881640448">February 5, 2015</a>
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<p>He oversaw sophomore RB Ezekiel Elliott's breakout 1,878 yard season on their way to a National Championship for the Buckeyes.</p>
<p>Drayton has 22 years of coaching experience. Drayton was officially assistant head coach on offense/running backs for the Buckeyes under Urban Meyer. He was the Buckeyes' wide receivers coach under Luke Fickell in 2011.</p>
<p>Drayton has a long history with Meyer, serving as his RBs coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida as well. Drayton has history at eight other colleges, his only other NFL experience being in 2000-03 when he was a quality control/special teams coach for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>.</p>
<p>The Bears told Skip Peete he would not return to their staff. He had been with the Bears since 2013 under Marc Trestman.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/2/5/7989143/chicago-bears-hire-stan-drayton-running-backs-coach-ohio-stateSam Householder2015-02-04T16:15:02-06:002015-02-04T16:15:02-06:00Chicago Bears announce two moves today
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<p>The Chicago Bears announced a couple moves earlier today, extending a young player's contract and hiring an assistant strength coach.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> made two moves today, first up...</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have signed CB <span>Al Louis-Jean</span> to 2-year contract; he appeared in 9 games as undrafted rookie in '14, recording 11 tackles.</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/563071520839577600">February 4, 2015</a>
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<p>Twenty one year old, Al Louis-Jean, has the type of length (6'1") and athleticism teams covet at corner back. The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent last year out of Boston College.</p>
<p>Here'a a clip of him working out prior to his pro day last year.</p>
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<p>The Chicago Bears also made a move to their coaching staff.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have also hired Rick Perry as their assistant strength coach; he has over 20 years experience in field at collegiate level.</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/563071931705196545">February 4, 2015</a>
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<p>The last 5 years, Perry was the director of strength and conditioning at Central Michigan University. During that time, Perry not only worked with the football team, but he organized the strength and conditioning efforts for all 16 CMU athletic programs.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on these latest moves?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/2/4/7981071/chicago-bears-extend-al-louis-jean-and-hire-an-assistant-strengthLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-01-30T13:15:03-06:002015-01-30T13:15:03-06:00Bears retain wide receivers coach Mike Groh
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<p>Earlier today the Chicago Bears extended the contracts of an assistant coach and a back up linebacker.</p> <p>After serving as the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> wide receivers coach the past two seasons under Marc Trestman, Mike Groh will be retained for that role on new coach John Fox's staff.</p>
<p>Under Groh, <span>Alshon Jeffery</span> has blossomed into one of the best young wide outs in the game. The last two seasons Jeffery is fifth in the league in receiving yards (2,554), ninth in receptions (174), and is tied for ninth in receiving touchdowns (17).</p>
<p>Before Chicago, Groh was the receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Alabama for two seasons. Prior to that he has collegiate experience coaching quarterbacks and working as an offensive coordinator.</p>
<p>The new regime of the Bears also made a decision on 2014 undrafted free agent <span>DeDe Lattimore</span>, extending his contract through the 2016 season.</p>
<p>Lattimore (6'1, 237) played middle linebacker last year in Mel Tucker's scheme, but most of his playing time was spent on special teams (5 tackles). If new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio converts the D to a 3-4, Lattimore projects to inside linebacker.</p>
<p>At least one Bears player is happy with Lattimore sticking around.</p>
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<p>DeDe lattimore is a badass glad he's with us</p>
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/561236289916116993">January 30, 2015</a>
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<p>What are your thoughts on the Bears keeping Mike Groh and where do you see DeDe Lattimore fitting in with the new coaching staff?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/30/7952771/the-chicago-bears-retain-wide-receivers-coach-mike-grohLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-01-27T13:15:02-06:002015-01-27T13:15:02-06:00Bears name Clint Hurtt outside linebackers coach
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<p>The Chicago Bears made another assistant coaching move today, by agreeing to terms with Clint Hurtt to become the team's outside linebackers coach.</p> <p><span><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have reached agreement w/ Clint Hurtt to be their outside LBs coach; he served as assistant defensive line coach w/ Bears in 2014.</p>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/560142214433882112">January 27, 2015</a></blockquote></span></p>
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<p>Last season was Clint Hurtt's first with the Chicago Bears after spending the previous 13 years coaching in the collegiate ranks. The majority of his previous coaching experience was spent on the defensive line except for his first two years (2001-02) where he was the volunteer strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater, Miami (Fla.).</p>
<p>The Bears hiring Hurtt as an OLB coach could tip us off to a potential plan to convert to a 3-4 defense. While it's not 100% guaranteed they move to defensive coordinator Vic Fangios's preferred 30 front, it is more common to have an OLB coach and an inside linebackers coach on 3-4 teams.</p>
<p>Hurtt's experience with the defensive line should translate well to a 3-4 OLB, because they are the edge setters and pass rushers of a 3-4 defense.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on the Bears retaining Hurtt and on the possibility of a 3-4 switch?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/27/7922653/chicago-bears-name-clint-hurtt-outside-linebackers-coachLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-01-25T19:40:54-06:002015-01-25T19:40:54-06:00Bears hire new defensive-line coach
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>John Fox's coaching staff is coming together at a rapid pace. He <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/23/7880647/chicago-bears-hire-new-position-coaches-for-quarterbacks-linebackers-jay-cutler">added ten coaches</a> from Monday through to Friday, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/24/7884529/bears-add-offensive-assistant-bo-hardegree-to-coaching-staff">offensive assistant Bo Hardegree</a> from his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> days yesterday, and today the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> announced a new defensive line coach to replace the departed Paul Pasqualoni, now with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have reached agreement with Jay Rodgers to become their defensive line coach. Rodgers spent last 3 years in same role w/ Broncos.</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/559501981233209344">January 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Rodgers, now the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/19/7852787/chicago-bears-hire-jeff-rodgers-as-special-teams-coordinator">second Rodgers you can get behind as a Bears fan</a>, joined the Broncos as a coaching assistant in 2009 after coaching in college for nine years, being promoted to defensive quality control coach in 2011 and overseeing the D-line from 2012-2014 during John Fox's tenure. Larry Mayer <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Jay-Rodgers-to-coach-defensive-line/633ed26f-6c08-4126-9248-fe040e01bb3e">sums up</a> what he did there:</p>
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<p>Over the last three seasons the Broncos led the NFL in rushing defense (90.8 yards per game) and were fourth in the league with 134 sacks. Rodgers coached two Pro Bowlers in defensive ends <span>Elvis Dumervil</span> and <span>DeMarcus Ware</span> and had a lineman record at least 10 sacks all three years.</p>
<p>In 2014, the Broncos defense ranked second against the run (79.8 yards) and allowed the second fewest runs of 10 yards or more with 29. In Rodgers’ first year as Denver’s defensive line coach in 2012, the Broncos tied for the NFL lead with 52 sacks and ranked third against the run.</p>
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<p>Clearly, being able to rush the passer as teams chased a prolific <span>Peyton Manning</span>-led offense has its benefits, but new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is likely to have had a role in bringing him in; perhaps a sign that the change to a full-blown 3-4 isn't a foregone conclusion? You can find out more about the scheme the Broncos ran under John Fox in Jeff Legwold's article <a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_21672566/broncos-defense-features-classic-4-3-scheme-pass">here</a>, and our SBN Broncos sister site MHR has an article on it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chatsports.com/denver-broncos/a/An-understanding-of-Denvers-base-defense-Part-one-2-9944239">here</a>.</p>
<p>Peruse; cogitate; share your ruminations below.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/25/7895747/chicago-bears-hire-jay-rodgers-from-denver-broncos-to-coach-defensive-lineSpongie2015-01-24T14:21:07-06:002015-01-24T14:21:07-06:00Bears add Offensive Assistant to Staff
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<p>The Bears made another addition to their coaching staff with the hiring of Bo Hardegree.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> added another assistant to their coaching staff, naming Bo Hardegree to the team as offensive assistant.</p>
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<p>Bo Hardegree has been hired as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> offensive assistant. Hardegree was an offensive QC coach w/ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> in 2014.</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/559074775046184960">January 24, 2015</a>
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<p>Hardegree has spent seven years in coaching between college and the NFL. Last year, the Broncos led the NFL in scoring and were fourth in total offense.</p>
<p>Prior to that, he spent six seasons in college, three years at Duke as a graduate assistant working with the offense, and three years at Louisiana State interning on both sides of the ball.</p>
<p>Hardegree joins offensive coordinator Adam Gase, special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, strength and conditioning coach Jason George, assistant defensive backs coach Sam Garnes, offensive line coach Dave Magazu, and assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II as a former Bronco assistant moving to the Bears under John Fox.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/24/7884529/bears-add-offensive-assistant-bo-hardegree-to-coaching-staffSteven Schweickert2015-01-23T21:27:47-06:002015-01-23T21:27:47-06:00Bears add quarterbacks and linebackers coaches
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<p>The Chicago Bears replace two more positional coaches from the Trestman/Emery era.</p> <p>New <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> head coach John Fox has been busily filling out his coaching staff in his first week on the job; <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/19/7852787/chicago-bears-hire-jeff-rodgers-as-special-teams-coordinator" target="_blank">new Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers</a> was hired on Monday, <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/20/7857419/chicago-bears-hire-vic-fangio-as-defensive-coordinator" target="_blank">Vic Fangio was announced as the new Defensive Coordinator</a> on Tuesday (along with <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/20/7863401/chicago-bears-sign-three-assistant-coaches-from-john-fox-denver-broncos-staff" target="_blank">three more assistants</a> from Fox's time with the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a>), <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/21/7866939/chicago-bears-hire-adam-gase-as-offensive-coordinator" target="_blank">new Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase</a> and <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/21/7869505/chicago-bears-hire-ed-donatell-as-defensive-backs-coach" target="_blank">assistant DBs coach Ed Donatell</a> arrived on Wednesday, and yesterday saw a <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/23/7879501/chicago-bears-hire-two-more-assistant-coaches" target="_blank">new TEs coach and a strength and conditioning coach</a>.</p>
<p>As Lester noted earlier today, "<i>The Bears still have a determination to make in regards to some holdover coaches. They still list Marc Trestman's assistant positional coaches for running backs, linebackers, defensive line, wide receivers and quarterbacks</i>." Not long ago, two new coaches were announced by the team's official twitter account:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have added 2 more position coaches, reaching agreements with Dowell Loggains (QBs) & Glenn Pires (LBs).</p>
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/558805027490639872">January 24, 2015</a>
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<p>Loggains arrives from the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>, where 2014 first-round pick <span>Johnny Manziel</span> famously texted him during the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL draft</a> urging the Browns to draft him so he (Manziel) could wreck the league... by which he seems to have meant himself and possibly the short-term future of the franchise, <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12216266/cleveland-browns-quarterback-johnny-manziel-struggled-commitment-preparation-sources-said">if nearly 20 Browns sources are to be believed</a>. So it wasn't all Loggain's fault.</p>
<p>Before that he was with the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tennessee Titans</a> for eight seasons, and was even the subject of a request - ultimately denied by the Titans - from the Bears to interview to be their QBs coach/passing game coordinator in 2012, with <span>Jay Cutler</span> having reportedly wanted him <a target="_blank" href="http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?storyId=7432780&city=chicago&src=desktop">as far back as 2010</a> after Pep Hamilton was fired; Loggains is said to have a strong relationship with Cutler and, according to Jon Greenberg's article, the Bears QB would welcome a coach who wouldn't be afraid to challenge him.</p>
<p>Pires has spent the last seven seasons coaching the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>' linebackers, and before that served in coaching roles on the defenses of the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a>, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a>, and <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a>; among the Pro Bowlers he worked with during his time with the Dolphins was future Bears free agent signing <span>Adewale Ogunleye</span>. He'll be charged with getting the most out of the Bears' young corps of <span>Shea McClellin</span>, <span>Jon Bostic</span>, <span>Christian Jones</span>, and possibly <span>Khaseem Greene</span>. He may even be working with some or all of <span>David Bass</span>, <span>Cornelius Washington</span>, <span>Lamarr Houston</span>, and <span>Jared Allen</span>, depending on how the Bears' defense changes.</p>
<p>For more on the most recent hires, see Larry Mayer's article <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-assistants-Loggains-Pires/67de8177-1e67-4422-985c-8e15ca1bcbc7">here</a>; share your thoughts below.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/1/23/7880647/chicago-bears-hire-new-position-coaches-for-quarterbacks-linebackers-jay-cutlerSpongie