The Chicago Bears have officially appointed Press Taylor as their new offensive coordinator, and this decision carries a significant amount of risk. Head coach Ben Johnson has recently been evaluating candidates to fill the role after Declan Doyle left for the same position with the Baltimore Ravens, where he will get the opportunity to call plays and collaborate with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. After conducting interviews with various candidates, including Arizona's passing game coordinator Connor Senger, Johnson opted to promote from within, selecting Press Taylor, who has been serving as the passing game coordinator.
This move isn’t entirely unexpected. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously held the role of offensive coordinator for three seasons in Jacksonville. Although he did not handle play-calling during that period—those duties were managed by head coach Doug Pederson—he is well-acquainted with the responsibilities that come with the position. At just 38 years old, Taylor represents a youthful and innovative presence, which aligns with Johnson’s desire for fresh perspectives. Ultimately, this is a situation where trust in the head coach is essential; Johnson has observed Taylor’s work closely over the last season, and if he believes Taylor is qualified for the role, then it’s a decision worth supporting.
The Bears' choice to elevate Press Taylor to offensive coordinator adds a new layer of leadership to Johnson’s team. Taylor’s previous experience includes serving as an offensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars until 2024, prior to joining the Bears. With Doyle headed to Baltimore, Taylor will now take on the OC role in Chicago.
However, handing the reins to Press Taylor undeniably involves a level of risk. For those who may not recall, Taylor joined the Bears with a somewhat controversial background. Throughout his previous NFL positions, he played a key role in the development of young quarterbacks, such as Carson Wentz in Philadelphia and Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. Initially, both quarterbacks showed great promise, performing at Pro Bowl levels. Yet, by their third seasons, both experienced dramatic declines in performance, leading many to point fingers at Taylor for their struggles.
To illustrate, here are some statistics from Wentz's and Lawrence's seasons under his guidance:
- Carson Wentz (Eagles QB Coach):
- Year 1: 3,074 yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs
- Year 2: 4,039 yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs
- Year 3: 2,620 yards, 16 TDs, 15 INTs
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars Offensive Coordinator):
- Year 1: 4,113 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
- Year 2: 4,016 yards, 21 TDs, 14 INTs
- Year 3: 2,045 yards, 11 TDs, 7 INTs
Given that Caleb Williams is currently in a crucial phase of his development, entrusting him to someone with Taylor's mixed track record raises valid concerns. However, it's also worth considering whether Taylor was unfairly made a scapegoat for the failures of Pederson, who was the one making the final decisions in both circumstances. This ambiguity complicates the justification for Taylor’s promotion. Additionally, there may be a hint of personal bias involved in Johnson’s choice.
It’s important to note that Press Taylor is the brother of Zac Taylor, the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson and Zac Taylor share a close friendship, having worked together as assistants for four years with the Miami Dolphins. In fact, Zac Taylor once attempted to recruit Johnson to join his staff in 2020, even offering a defensive position to entice him. This connection raises questions about whether Johnson’s decision to promote Taylor might be more of a favor to a friend than a purely professional judgment.
Is this assumption overly speculative? Perhaps. The reality is that Press Taylor has a complicated legacy. He was part of the coaching staff that led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory in 2017 and played a role in guiding Lawrence to his first playoff win. Johnson appears to be the type of coach who values thoughtful decision-making, suggesting he genuinely believes in Taylor's potential contributions to the team. Only time will reveal what this new chapter holds for the Bears and for Press Taylor.
