Tag: John Defilippo

John DeFilippo believes he can help grow Mitchell Trubisky

If there’s anyone that can fix Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky, it’s QB coach John DeFilippo, who has a sparkling reputation with young QBs.

One of the biggest questions this offseason involves, what else, the quarterback position. Mitchell Trubisky is looking less and less likely that he’s the future in Chicago, the latest example coming from a disappointing 2019 season where he regressed tremendously.

But if there’s anyone that can fix Trubisky, it’s quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.

DeFilippo’s reputation of molding young quarterbacks makes him the perfect addition as Bears quarterbacks coach, as they look to salvage something from Trubisky in his fourth season.

“I’ve had a lot of experience with a lot of young players,” DeFilippo said on Bears All-Access. “That’s just kind of been the situations I’ve been thrown into. I think that’s a good thing. I think that helps you learn how to teach a bunch of young guys. Obviously, Mitchell’s not a rookie or a second-year guy. But at the same time, he’s still kind of a fresh player in the NFL who’s impressionable. You can shape him in certain things you want him to do.

“So I think a lot of the young guys I’ve had that have had success, whether it be Derek Carr, Carson Wentz, Gardner Minshew, who was a seven-time Rookie of the Week this year. I think it’s going to help out team, and I’m really looking forward to helping Coach Nagy and Coach Lazor do what they want to do.”

The Bears have overhauled their offensive staff, finding coaches that specialize in the offense’s weaknesses, quarterback among them. DeFilippo, who interviewed for the Bears head coaching job in 2018, has familiarity with Trubisky, as he likely had to pitch how he could help mold the young quarterback.

Considering the high expectations for Trubisky in 2019, his regression was big cause for concern. The Bears don’t have time to waste their championship-caliber defense. But it’s also too soon to give up on Trubisky, especially with one year left on his rookie contract.

Whether Trubisky is the long term answer for the Bears will become clear as the offseason progresses. Chicago will no doubt bring in veteran competition for Trubisky, and possibly bring in a young quarterback through the NFL Draft.

But depending on which quarterback they bring in — a high-profile free agent that demands a starting role or a competent veteran backup — will show you just how confident Ryan Pace really is when it comes to Trubisky’s future.

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5 reasons for optimism for Bears in 2020

Believe it or not, despite a disappointing 2019 season, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Bears in 2020.

Believe it or not, following a disappointing 8-8 season, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Chicago Bears heading into 2020.

While there were plenty of causes for concern, especially on the offensive side of the ball, remember that the core from the 2018 playoff team remains in tact. There are certainly areas of concern that need to be addressed, but there are reasons to believe that this Bears team can be better in 2020.

The offseason has just begun, and the Bears are expected to make plenty of moves. But if the season were to start today, here are five reasons to be optimistic about the Bears in 2020.

1. Defense remains a top unit

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

While the 2019 season was considered an overall disappointment, the Bears defense was a top-five unit in the NFL. Chicago allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league at 18.6 points per game. There’s no doubt that the Bears defense regressed in 2019, which was bound to happen considering their production and the lack of injuries the season before.

Chicago’s defense isn’t without its flaws — it needs to force more turnovers and better the pass rush. But with their core players in place, this defense remains one of the best in the league — and if the offense can get going, could be a championship-caliber unit.

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John DeFilippo says Bears offensive staff reminds him of 2017 Eagles

John DeFilippo said the biggest draw of joining the Bears’ coaching staff was how it reminded him of his time with the Eagles in 2017.

Some of the biggest moves Matt Nagy has made this offseason has come as part of his offensive coaching staff. Following an abysmal offensive outing in 2019, Nagy brought in four new coaches that have a combined # years of coaching experience.

One of those new coaches is quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, who is highly regarded for his work molding young quarterbacks. He’ll be tasked with turning around fourth-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who regressed in 2019. Considering DeFilippo initially interviewed for the Bears’ heading coaching job in 2018, he’s quite familiar with Trubisky and the Bears.

After offensive coordinator stints with the Vikings and Jaguars, DeFilippo joined Nagy’s coaching staff as the new quarterbacks coach, which is exactly his specialty.

DeFilippo said one of the biggest allure of joining the Bears’ coaching staff was how it reminded him of his time with the Eagles in 2017. That Eagles staff consisted of head coach Doug Pederson, offensive coordinator Frank Reich, quarterbacks coach DeFilippo, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, running backs coach Duce Staley, wide receivers coach Mike Groh and tight ends coach Justin Peelle.

“We had a lot of very experienced guys that had no ego,” DeFilippo said on Bears All-Access. “And that’s what attracted me to this job most was the experience on this staff that Coach was putting together, with no ego, and our only goal is to win.”

Aside from DeFilippo, Nagy brought in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone. All of which will be tasked with fixing an element of the Bears offense, ranging from quarterback to run game to tight ends to offensive line.

“When you have no ego, a lot of experience, a lot of guys that have called plays before and a lot of guys that have coached in a Super Bowls and been around good teams,” DeFilippo said, “I think that can do nothing but help your team.”

Obviously we’re months away from seeing the finished product and how the hiring of these new offensive minds will ultimately shape the Bears offense. But bringing in coaches with an affinity for different aspects of offense can’t hurt an offense that was one of the worst in the NFL last season.

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Mark Sanchez believes Mitchell Trubisky and John DeFilippo are perfect pairing

New Bears QB coach John DeFilippo has done wonders with quarterbacks, and Mark Sanchez believes he’ll be good for Mitchell Trubisky.

The recent hirings of the Bears’ new offensive coaches has instilled some hope that the offense can turn things around in 2020. Perhaps one of the most important hirings was John DeFilippo, who will serve as quarterbacks coach.

While DeFilippo doesn’t have a stunning resume as an offensive playcaller, he has done wonders with quarterbacks. Everything from coaching Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz during his MVP-caliber season in 2017 to getting a 77 passer rating out of former Raiders quarterback Jamarcus Russell, who is one of the NFL’s biggest draft busts of all time.

Now, DeFilippo will be tasked with turning lead into gold coaching Mitchell Trubisky, who will be the Bears starting quarterback in 2020.

One of Trubisky’s former teammates, Mark Sanchez, believes that DeFilippo is just the guy Trubisky needs to continue to grow.

“He’s a great offensive mind,” Sanchez said. “Coach Nagy knows exactly what he’s doing with these hires. He understands what Mitch needs, how he needs to progress, how he needs to grow as a quarterback, and continue to make good decisions, continue to understand what defenses to make it difficult on him, and I know that John DeFilippo can help with that.

“He was a great resource for us as one of our assistants my rookie year in New York, had a ton of success in this league. He’s been around to plenty of places, lots of great experience, and all that experience is going to lend well in helping Mitch grow.”

The Bears are pulling out all the stops to see, once and for all, what they have in Trubisky. Bringing in coaches like DeFilippo and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who have years of experience, can only help Trubisky at this point.

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Report: Mitchell Trubisky undergoes surgery on left shoulder

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky underwent surgery to repair his left, non-throwing shoulder, and is expected to return in two months.

Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky underwent surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson.

Trubisky suffered the injury when he took a hit on the opening drive of the Bears’ win over the Vikings on Sept. 29. Trubisky missed the following game against the Raiders, but he returned to action after their bye week, where he would play through the injury.

The recovery time for a minor procedure like this is a couple of months, according to Dickerson, which means Trubisky should be ready for offseason workouts in April.

General manager Ryan Pace indicated that surgery was a possibility for Trubisky, who played through the injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

While the injury wasn’t to his throwing shoulder, it affected Trubisky’s play, particularly in terms of utilizing his mobility. Trubisky didn’t run the football as much as he did in the previous season, which took away an element of his game that has made him dangerous.

There are plenty of questions surrounding the quarterback position this offseason. While Trubisky was named the starter for the 2020 season, things can certainly change from now until September. Especially considering the Bears are likely coming to bring in veteran competition this offseason.

The Bears recently hired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, who will be important in the continued growth of Trubisky in what is a do-or-die season.

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Mitchell Trubisky’s high school coach confident he’ll turn things around

Many are concerned about the future of the Bears with Mitch Trubisky at QB, but his former high school football coach isn’t one of them.

While many are concerned about the future of the Bears with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback, his former high school football coach Steve Trivisonno isn’t one of them.

Trivisonno is confident that Trubisky will turn things around in 2020 following a disappointing 2019 season.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Trivisonno told the Sun-Times. “He’s talented. . . You saw at the end of the year where he was and where he’s going to be.

“I think [the Bears] will be in good shape next year and get things going.”

Trubisky’s regression was the talk of the football world when discussing the Bears’ fall from grace, although an overall regression on offense was to blame — with Trubisky at the center of it.

Trubisky is entering his fourth season with the Bears — who have yet to pick up his fifth-year option — and there is doubt about whether he’ll be lining up under center for the Bears come the regular season.

The Bears are going to explore the free agent market for a veteran that will serve as competition for Trubisky — or at the very least a serviceable backup, with Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray set to become free agents.

If the Bears are in fact committed to Trubisky in 2020 — as general manager Ryan Pace stated on Dec. 31 — then Matt Nagy has surrounded him with some great coaches that can get the best out of him in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.

“It’s very important to him,” Trivisonno said. “He’s very focused and locked in, and he’ll represent the Bears real well next year. He’ll be fine.”

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Can Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo get the most out of Mitchell Trubisky?

With the hirings of Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo, you have to believe that the Bears are looking to get the best out of QB Mitch Trubisky.

The Bears are hoping that their newest coaching hires will bode well for their offense in 2020. And from the sound of things, the Bears hired the right guys for the job.

There were several players at the Pro Bowl that have worked with new Bears coaches Bill Lazor and John DeFilippo, and they had nothing but praise for their former coaches and what their presence in Chicago could mean for the Bears, particularly when it comes to the quarterback position.

The Bears are facing uncertainty at quarterback. While they remain committed to Mitchell Trubisky as their starter in 2020, there are doubts about whether or not they can win with him at quarterback. Look for the Bears to bring in veteran competition for Trubisky — perhaps even someone that could take over as starter should Trubisky struggle in 2020.

But with the coaching hires of Lazor and DeFilippo, you have to believe that they’re looking to get the best out of Trubisky — and to see if his best is enough to win them a championship.

Considering Lazor’s success with the Dolphins — they averaged 24.3 points and 350.1 yards per game, which was the most in nearly 20 years — there’s a hope that the Bears offense could see a similar resurrection.

“He’s very detailed, and that’s something that goes a long way, especially being an offensive coordinator,” former Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry said. “He wants to make sure that every guy is in the right place at the right time for the quarterback. It’s a quarterback-friendly system as well.”

Look no further than Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who learned under Lazor during his time with the Dolphins. In 2014, Tannehill passed for 4,045 yards and a career-best 27 touchdowns.

“Bill did a great job,” Tannehill said. “I have a ton of respect for Bill and what he was able to do [during] my short time with Miami. He’s extremely intelligent, thoughtful. He does a great job of game-planning, and I wish him the best in Chicago.”

While Lazor won’t call plays (that remains Matt Nagy’s job), he’ll be heavily involved in the install and weekly game plan of the offense.

Then there’s DeFilippo, whose reputation grooming quarterbacks precedes him. While DeFilippo hasn’t found success at the offensive coordinator position, he’s one of the best in coaching quarterbacks.

Look no further than Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who had an MVP-caliber season in 2017 before his injury. The Bears are hoping he’ll work similar wonders with Trubisky.

“[DeFilippo] will be outstanding,” said Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who worked with him in Minnesota . “He’s a great coach. He’s been around this league for a long time. I think it says a lot when someone like [Bears coach] Matt Nagy who knows quarterbacks so well hires him. I think that says a lot about ‘Flip.’

“When you look at what he did with Carson Wentz as a young player, I think there’s a lot to like there and he’s going to add a lot to that staff. I guess it’s going to be to my detriment because we’re in his division, but he’s a great coach.”

The Bears insisted this offseason would be about fixing the offense, and Nagy has already started with bringing in two coaches that could should be able to bring the best out of Trubisky — or whoever winds up as quarterback for the Bears.

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Kyle Long defends his QB: ‘Bears have won with Mitchell Trubisky’

For all the flack QB Mitchell Trubisky has received, many have wondered if the Bears can win with him. RG Kyle Long has his answer.

For all of the flack that Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky received this season — and there’s been a lot — there’s been one deafening question that analysts and critics alike keep wondering.

Can the Bears win with Mitchell Trubisky?

To be fair, many have already wagered a confident guess. It’s been a resounding NO.

But can the Bears win with Mitchell Trubisky?

It’s a question that’s simple enough, but one that the Bears need to come up with a definitive answer for moving forward. Because, keep in mind, this is a team that has a championship-caliber defense and a handful of offensive weapons. And with each passing season, they’re being wasted.

Ultimately, what critics or fans think doesn’t matter. It’s what general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy believe. Even the players to an extent.

Bears right guard Kyle Long was asked that very question by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Rapoport and Friends, and his answer was quick and to the point.

“The Bears have won with Mitchell Trubisky,” Long said. “We all regressed this year. But unfortunately heavy lies the head that wears the crown, and Mitch is a captain, Mitch is a quarterback.”

Long isn’t wrong. Trubisky has won with the Bears. He went 11-3 last season, missing two games due to injury, and he is 23-18 in his career as a starter for the Bears. Even last season, Trubisky had a winning record of 8-7. The only losing season he’s had as a starter was his rookie season, where he went 4-8.

The 2019 season was as bad as you could’ve imagined. Coming off a 12-4 season with lofty championship expectations, the Bears stumbled to an 8-8 record with plenty of questions that need to be answered.

While Trubisky was a big reason for the offense’s abysmal performance last season, the entire unit as a whole struggled. The Bears have already made moves to help fix the ailing offense, including bringing in four new offensive voices in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, new quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone.

All signs point to Trubisky being the starting quarterback heading into 2020 — from Pace’s public commitment to the hirings of Lazor and DeFilippo.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what another set of eyes, from a coaching perspective, can give Mitch,” Long said, “and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop.”

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Former Redskins coach Jay Gruden to interview for Jaguars OC position

Gruden is looking to get back into the coaching game after having a few months off following his firing in Washington.

Former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is possibly jumping back into the coaching game after having a few months off, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Gruden will interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator position.

Gruden, who was fired by the Redskins in October, cited that he was “itching to do something” after spending some time outside of the game.

The Jaguars are searching for a new OC after firing John DeFilippo following the 2019 season, though he only spent one year with the team. Now the Jaguars will look to revamp their offense under either Gardner Minshew or Nick Foles going forward, with Gruden helping them succeed, should he be given the job.

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5 takeaways from Bears’ new offensive coaching staff

There’s plenty to unpack here, given the direction of Matt Nagy’s new offensive coaching staff, including the value of experience.

The Chicago Bears officially announced the new additions to Matt Nagy’s coaching staff, which includes a continued overhaul on offense.

Nagy confirmed the hirings of Bill Lazor as offensive coordinator and John DeFilippo as quarterbacks coach, as well as the promotion of Dave Ragone to pass game coordinator. They joined previously-announced coaches Juan Castillo (offensive line) and Clancy Barone (tight ends).

There’s plenty to unpack here, given the direction of Nagy’s hirings. Here are my five takeaways from the new additions to the Bears’ offensive coaching staff:

1. Fixing the offense a major priority this offseason

AP Photo/Amr Alfiky

Ask anyone about what doomed the Bears in 2019, and the answer will be an overwhelming chorus focused on the offense. While the Bears offense didn’t need to be a top-10 offense to live up to expectations, they needed to show progress in Year 2 of Matt Nagy’s system. Instead, they ranked near the bottom of nearly every statistical category.

Naturally, someone had to take the fall. And it wasn’t going to be Nagy. So it’s easy to assume that the firings of offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride were an attempt to pawn off the blame for the offense’s struggles. But it feels like it’s more about accountability at this point.

The offense needs to be significantly better this season than it was in 2019. It’s as simple as that. If not, Nagy’s seat will grow even hotter.

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