Bears Promote Press Taylor to OC: A Move for Continuity, Not Control
The Chicago Bears are staying in-house to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy, promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to the role. Taylor steps in for Declan Doyle, who departed for Baltimore, and becomes the new right-hand man to offensive architect Ben Johnson.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a shake-up. It’s a reinforcement.
Taylor worked alongside Johnson last season, so he knows the system, the terminology, and the personnel. This is about continuity - a calculated decision to keep the offensive structure intact, especially with franchise quarterback Caleb Williams entering a critical stage in his development.
A Steady Hand for a Young QB
Taylor’s promotion signals one thing above all: the Bears are prioritizing stability. Antwaan Randle El remains in place as wide receivers coach and assistant head coach.
No major reshuffling. No new playbook.
No curveballs for Caleb Williams. For a young quarterback, that consistency matters.
Williams won’t have to learn a new language or adjust to a completely different philosophy. He’ll keep working within the same framework, which is huge for a player still finding his rhythm at the NFL level.
And while Taylor now holds the OC title, make no mistake - Ben Johnson will continue calling the plays. Johnson’s fingerprints remain all over this offense. Taylor’s role is to reinforce that vision, not replace it.
What Taylor Brings to the Table
At 38, Taylor steps into this position with a solid foundation. He’s known for his communication skills and his work with quarterbacks - a valuable trait when you’ve got a young signal-caller like Williams. He understands route concepts, timing, and how to translate the playbook into something players can execute on Sundays.
He’s also been in the coordinator chair before - with Jacksonville prior to 2024 - so he’s not walking into unfamiliar territory. But this isn’t about handing him the keys to the offense. It’s about having another strong voice in the room, someone who can help game plan during the week and keep the offense on track.
Where the Ceiling Might Be
Taylor’s strengths lie in preparation and teaching - not necessarily in game-day adjustments or improvisation when the script goes out the window. That’s where some concerns come into play. His track record suggests he’s more effective as a supporting strategist than a primary play-caller.
And that’s exactly what the Bears are asking him to be.
With Johnson still orchestrating the offense on Sundays, Taylor’s job is to support that system, not reinvent it. He’ll help build the weekly plan, work closely with Williams, and ensure the offense is cohesive. But when it’s third-and-long in the fourth quarter, it’ll be Johnson dialing up the call sheet.
Why This Move Makes Sense
For the Bears, this is a pragmatic move. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart. It keeps the offense steady, gives Caleb Williams a familiar voice, and allows Ben Johnson to maintain full control of the system he’s building.
It also shows the Bears trust in Johnson’s vision. If this is the assistant he wants - someone who knows the system and can help execute it - then the front office is giving him the green light to build his staff his way.
Taylor doesn’t need to be a play-calling wizard. He needs to be a reliable No. 2 who can help the Bears offense function consistently week to week.
That’s the job. And for where this team is right now, that’s enough.
Bottom Line
This isn’t a headline-grabbing hire, but it’s a move that fits. The Bears are betting on continuity over chaos, and on keeping Caleb Williams in a stable environment as he continues to grow into the face of the franchise.
Press Taylor’s promotion won’t change the offensive identity - and that’s the point. It’s about keeping the train on the tracks, not laying down new ones.