The Chicago Bears are starting to feel what the Detroit Lions went through not too long ago - the bittersweet reality of building a strong coaching staff and watching the league take notice. This time, it’s offensive coordinator Declan Doyle who’s making waves, and the buzz around his name is only getting louder.
Doyle recently pulled out of the running for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator job, a move that initially seemed like a big win for Chicago. But as more details have emerged, it’s clear this story is just getting started - and it might not end with Doyle staying in Chicago for the long haul.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Doyle made a strong impression during his interview with the Eagles. So strong, in fact, that there’s already talk he could be in line for head coaching interviews as soon as next year’s cycle.
That’s not just idle speculation - it’s a sign of how quickly Doyle’s stock is rising in league circles. He reportedly walked away from the Philly opportunity not just because he believes in what the Bears are building, but because he sees a bigger opportunity on the horizon.
Think head coach, not just coordinator.
That kind of confidence doesn’t come out of nowhere. Doyle’s coaching lineage includes time under Sean Payton - one of the sharpest offensive minds in recent NFL history - and now he’s working under Ben Johnson, who’s quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier offensive architects.
That’s a powerful combination. And it’s paying off.
For the Bears, this is both a testament to what they’re building and a preview of what might be coming. When Johnson arrived in Chicago, he brought with him a culture rooted in innovation, collaboration, and development - not just of players, but of coaches too.
That’s the kind of environment where future head coaches are molded. It’s no surprise, then, that Doyle is drawing attention.
He’s thriving in a system that’s designed to elevate talent, and he’s making the most of it.
It’s a scenario that should feel familiar to Lions fans. Detroit’s rise under Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson was fueled by a similar dynamic - a head coach who empowered his staff and helped them grow.
Now, as Johnson continues to shape Chicago’s offensive identity, we’re seeing the same ripple effect. The Bears could very well be the next franchise with a coaching tree worth watching.
If Doyle does land a head coaching gig next offseason, it’ll be a rapid rise - but not an undeserved one. He came to Chicago as a relatively under-the-radar hire, but his background with Payton gave him a solid foundation.
Combine that with his current role under Johnson, and it’s easy to see why teams are intrigued. In today’s NFL, offensive minds are in high demand, and Doyle fits the mold of the next wave of young, innovative leaders.
The good news for the Bears? Ben Johnson isn’t going anywhere.
He remains the cornerstone of this offense and the driving force behind Chicago’s resurgence. Even if Doyle moves on, the Bears have their architect in place - and that’s the kind of stability that keeps the foundation strong, no matter how many branches grow from the coaching tree.