The Bears have had some low-key solid hires coaching running backs in recent years.
Stan Drayton, Curtis Modkins, and Charles London each brought something unique to the table as assistants. But with London leaving to coach quarterbacks in Atlanta, Chicago’s football team was left searching to fill a hole on Matt Nagy’s staff. And after their pursuit of Duce Staley fell short, I’ve since been curious as to how the Bears would fill that gig.
As it turns out, they’ve turned to the collegiate ranks:
Source: #OregonState running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Michael Pitre is set to join the #ChicagoBears staff as running backs coach. Coached Jemar Jefferson and Artavis Pierce with the Beavers. Replaces Charles London, who left to become Falcons QB coach.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 3, 2021
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reports the Bears are hiring Michael Pitre away from Oregon State to coach running backs in Chicago. Pitre, who has coached at Oregon State since 2018, served as the Beavers’ running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. While at OSU, he coached Artavis Pierce, who spent time on the Bears’ practice squad and roster this season. I wouldn’t jump to conclusions as to an increase in roles for current Beavers products such s Pierce or Ryan Nall, but some might make that leap based on the Oregon State connection. And to that end, I would suggest not to do so.
Moreover, a more interesting nugget can be found in Pitre’s OSU bio. While Pitre was coaching at Montana State, he was hired onto the Kansas City Chiefs’ staff as the Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship in 2017. That’s where Pitre spent time with Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy. I imagine that, at some point, Pitre crossed paths with then-Chiefs assistant Matt Nagy. You can read more about Pitre’s time with the Chiefs here.
In addition to his Chiefs connections, I’m also interested in Pitre’s experience as a recruiting coordinator. That position should give him an interesting perspective as someone who has seen all sorts of collegiate talent. Considering Chicago’s draft needs, the Bears could conceivably lean on Pitre throughout that process. Just something to keep in mind as we move forward.