The Chicago Bears didn’t waste any time filling a major coaching vacancy, and they didn’t have to look far to do it. After former offensive coordinator Declan Doyle left to take the same role with the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Ben Johnson turned to someone already in the building - and someone who already has the trust of his young quarterback.
Press Taylor, who served as the Bears’ passing game coordinator this past season, has officially been promoted to offensive coordinator. It’s a move that brings continuity, familiarity, and a solid track record to a Bears offense that made serious strides in 2025 - especially under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Let’s break this down.
Why Taylor Makes Sense
Taylor wasn’t just a name on the staff - he played a key role in helping Williams navigate his first NFL season. That’s no small feat.
Williams didn’t just survive; he thrived, showing poise, command, and efficiency beyond his years. With Taylor heavily involved in the passing game, the rookie QB threw only seven interceptions all season, a league-best mark.
That’s a testament to both the player and the system around him.
Now, Taylor steps into the OC role with a deep understanding of the offensive vision Ben Johnson is building. He knows the personnel, he knows the scheme, and most importantly, he knows what makes Williams tick. That kind of continuity is invaluable - especially for a young quarterback entering his second season.
A Look Back at Taylor’s OC Experience
This isn’t Taylor’s first run as an offensive coordinator. He held the role in Jacksonville for three seasons, and while the final year didn’t go according to plan - the Jaguars finished 25th in total yards and 26th in scoring - his first two seasons were solid. Jacksonville’s offense ranked in the top 15 in both points and total yards in 2022 and 2023, showing creativity and balance when things were clicking.
Sure, the dip in production in 2024 raised some eyebrows, but context matters. Personnel changes, injuries, and other factors often play a role in a team’s regression. What’s clear is that Taylor has learned from that experience, and now he steps into a situation in Chicago that’s arguably more stable and better suited to his strengths.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Chicago’s offense in 2025 was one of the league’s most improved units. The Bears finished sixth in total yards and ninth in points - a massive leap from where they’d been in recent years. The passing game ranked 10th in both yards and touchdowns, and as mentioned earlier, they threw the fewest interceptions of any team in the league.
That kind of efficiency doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a smart system, strong coaching, and a quarterback who’s being put in position to succeed. Promoting Taylor means the Bears aren’t hitting the reset button - they’re building on a foundation that’s already working.
What This Means Moving Forward
This hire is about more than just X’s and O’s. It’s about trust.
Williams trusts Taylor. Johnson trusts Taylor.
And now the Bears are banking on that trust to carry over into 2026 and beyond.
It’s a win-win. The Bears get a coordinator with experience and institutional knowledge, and Williams gets to keep working with a voice he’s already comfortable with. That’s a rare luxury in the NFL, especially for young quarterbacks who often deal with constant turnover.
Bottom line: the Bears didn’t overthink this one. They made the smart play. And if Taylor can keep building on what he started in 2025, Chicago’s offense could be even more dangerous next season.