NEWSLETTER
We had a good laugh at Dan Campbell’s expense when he jumped on the scene with his wacky “bite your knees off” schtick.
I’m no longer laughing:
Another quality add for Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit, as he’s bringing Mark DeLeone as his LB coach, hiring him away from the same job with the Bears. DeLeone is a strong hire after helping Roquan Smith to his best season yet this past year in Chicago.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 27, 2021
ESPN’s Field Yates reports the Lions are hiring away Bears ILBs Coach Mark DeLeone. Losing assistants stinks. And when they’re quality assistants, it stings a little bit more. But when it’s a quality coach leaving within the division for the same job … that’s a BIG YIKES. And on multiple levels. Imagine losing an ace position coach after a top draft pick’s best year. Ick. And to the Lions!? Double ick.
To be short, this isn’t a good look for the Bears. Not one bit.
To be clear, I’m not trying to be overdramatic. And my default setting is to not be reactionary to an extreme. But holy smokes! This doesn’t look good. The optics here are rough. Chicago has now lost a defensive coordinator candidate, possible running backs coach, and now its inside linebackers coach to a division rival. Is it just me, or does this trend say a lot about the perception of what’s happening with the Bears right now?
As things stand, Chicago’s football team needs to hire an outside linebackers coach, inside linebackers coach, defensive line coach, safeties coach, running backs coach, and pass game coordinator. And let’s not forget about the Bears’ annual need to fix the quarterback position. Oh, and lest we forget their best offensive player is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins.
*tugs nervously at collar*
Chicago’s offseason is not off to a good start.
