NEWSLETTER
The most experienced offensive mind in the Chicago Bears think tank has left the building.
Brad Childress told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot that he has informed Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy that he is not returning in his role as a Senior Offensive Assistant in 2020.
Childress, 63, has served in that advisory position for the last two years, aiding in Nagy’s transition to head coach. The decision is a likely first step toward retirement for Childress, whose contract is hitting its expiration point. Cabot writes that the long-time NFL coach could return to football in a similar role to why he had with the Bears to help help recently hired Browns coach Kevin Stefanski transition into his new role, but only if Stefanski reaches out and asks. Otherwise, Childress seems OK with transitioning into life as a retired NFL coach.
The timing of Childress’ departure is curious, as it comes during a time where Nagy is overhauling the offensive coaching staff. Three offensive assistants were fired after the end of the 2019 season. In turn, the Bears have hired three assistants with considerable NFL coaching experience. Offensive Line Coach Juan Castillo and Tight Ends Coach Clancy Barone are new to Chicago, but both have at least 15 years of hands-on professional coaching experience. And once Bill Lazor joins that group as the offensive coordinator, they will add a coach who has 13 years of NFL coaching under his belt. I doubt adding this much NFL coaching experience is a coincidence.
In any case, whether it is by his doing or by the Bears not choosing to retain him, the point remains another offensive mind is leaving Halas Hall. And that Childress being someone who was a positive influence on Nagy’s coaching career is parting ways with the team shouldn’t be lost on anyone. The offensive overhaul is just getting started.
