Following the Bears’ offensive struggles in 2019, they wasted no time cleaning part of the house with the firings of four coaches, including offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich.
The Bears now have an offensive coordinator vacancy, and there are several options head coach Matt Nagy is surely looking at. While Nagy serves as play-caller — and likely will remain as such in 2020 — he’ll be looking for someone to better assist him in the development of the play sheet throughout the week as they look to right the broken ship that is Chicago’s offense.
Here are five candidates that could land the Bears’ offensive coordinator position:
1. Mike Kafka
When you take a look at all the candidates, Mike Kafka is one that probably makes the most sense. He has the Andy Reid connection — and a connection to Matt Nagy. Kafka played as a backup quarterback with the Eagles during Nagy’s time as an offensive assistant in Philadelphia with Reid.
Nagy is quite familiar with Kafka, whose is from Chicago and went to Northwestern. You have to imagine this would be an enticing opportunity for him.
Obviously, Reid would have to sign off on Kafka going to Chicago, but Reid is someone that tends to encourage his guys to move up the ranks. The only thing stopping him would likely be if Eric Bienemy lands a head coaching job and Reid decides to promote Kafka to Chiefs offensive coordinator.