The Chicago Bears’ coaching staff could be on the verge of another shakeup - and this time, it’s their offensive coordinator drawing attention from a fellow NFC contender.
The Philadelphia Eagles have officially requested permission to interview Bears OC Declan Doyle for their vacant offensive coordinator role under head coach Nick Sirianni. The move comes in the wake of Philly parting ways with Kevin Patullo following the team’s 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round.
Doyle, who just wrapped up his first season as offensive coordinator in Chicago, played a key role in one of the league’s most impressive offensive turnarounds. While head coach Ben Johnson retained play-calling duties, Doyle was instrumental in the design and execution of a scheme that propelled the Bears to sixth in total points, third in total yards, and tenth in passing yards. The unit also finished sixth in yards per game and locked up the No. 2 seed in the NFC - a massive leap from where they were just a season ago.
A big part of that success came from the growth of quarterback Caleb Williams, who had a breakout year under the guidance of Johnson and Doyle. Running back D’Andre Swift also delivered the best season of his career, and rookie Kyle Monangai added a strong complementary presence in the backfield, racking up 783 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Doyle’s rise through the coaching ranks has been rapid, but not without substance. Before arriving in Chicago, he spent two seasons coaching tight ends for the Denver Broncos (2023-2024), and prior to that, he was an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2022.
That Saints stint was particularly valuable - during his tenure, New Orleans went 41-25, won two NFC South titles, and sent eight players to the Pro Bowl across 12 total selections. Working under Sean Payton, Doyle gained exposure to one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds, and that experience has clearly shaped his approach.
When Johnson brought him to Chicago ahead of the 2025 season, Doyle became the youngest offensive coordinator in the league. And while he didn’t call plays, his fingerprints were all over the Bears’ offensive resurgence.
Now, Philadelphia is taking a long look at the 30-something coach. Initially, the Eagles were eyeing experienced play-callers - names like Mike McDaniel, Brian Daboll, and Zac Robinson were reportedly on their shortlist.
But with those options no longer in play, they’ve turned their attention to rising stars like Doyle, even if he doesn’t check every traditional box. It’s a bold move, but not unprecedented.
The NFL has seen a growing trend of teams betting on upside and innovation over tenure.
For Doyle, the opportunity in Philadelphia could be a career-defining one. The Eagles’ offense is loaded with talent - Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith are as dynamic a core as any coordinator could ask for. Leading that group successfully, even without prior play-calling experience, could fast-track him into head coaching conversations down the line.
As for the Bears, this would be the second key departure from Johnson’s staff this offseason. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy recently returned to Kansas City to take over as offensive coordinator, reuniting with Andy Reid and the Chiefs.
Johnson, though, has been vocal about supporting his assistants' career growth. In his end-of-season presser, he made it clear: if other teams come calling for his coaches, he’s “all for it.”
Still, if Doyle does land in Philly, it would be another test of the Bears’ ability to maintain continuity amid success - a challenge every rising team eventually faces.