There will be an obvious focus on how head-coach-to-be Matt Eberflus builds his offensive coaching staff. But let’s not lose sight that Eberflus has an entire staff to fill. And while you could make a case for any number of assistants to be retained should you choose to that route, the reality is that new coaches like clean slates. More than that, they like bringing in familiar faces to lend a helping hand.
With that in mind, there are a pair of names already on the radar who could be joining Eberflus in Chicago.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport points out that coaches usually get an opportunity to bring an assistant with them from their previous stop. It doesn’t always work out like this, but that seems to be a general practice in league circles.
For Eberflus, Rapoport believes it could be Linebackers Coach Dave Borgonzi. The Amherst College product has been with the Colts for four years and has 16 seasons of coaching experience. Eleven of those seasons were in the NFL, which isn’t something we should overlook. In addition to his time with the Colts (2018-21), Borgonzi has work experience with Buccaneers (2014-17) and Cowboys (2011-13). And because we dig it when football is a family thing, it is worth pointing out that Borgonzi’s brother Mike is the Kansas City Chiefs’ Assistant General Manager. Mike Borgonzi was working with new Bears GM Ryan Poles until just a few days ago when Poles left the organization. That’s certainly a fun little tie-in.
For what it’s worth, Indy’s defense was darn good last year. That group was the NFL’s ninth-best scoring defense, eight best in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric, and had the second most takeaways. In other words, this feels like a good group to sort through for Eberflus. He should know who is responsible for what on his staff. But more than that, Eberflus should have an idea who to bring with him from Indianapolis.
And to think, Dave Borgonzi might not be the only one jumping ship to Chicago:
Interesting situation in Indianapolis-Either safeties coach Alan Williams or LBs coach Dave Borgonzi could go to Chicago with new Bears coach Matt Eberflus. Or maybe both, depending on how things shake out.
But … Williams is also in the mix to be the Colts' new DC.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 27, 2022
The MMQB’s Albert Breer name-checks Colts Safeties Coach Alan Williams as someone who could join Eberflus’ Bears staff. He even goes as far as to suggest both Williams *AND* Borgonzi could land in Chicago. Williams, like Borgonzi, has spent the last four years with the Colts. And has plenty of coaching experience under his belt, with 29 seasons overall and 20 with NFL teams. Williams’ second stint coaching Colts defensive backs suggests he knows what he is doing in that position. Considering the Bears’ needs when it comes to shoring up the secondary, I wouldn’t mind if the Bears could poach him from the Colts with Borgonzi. If you’re not double-dipping, then you’re tripping … right?
This is a fluid situation, to be sure. I doubt Frank Reich will allow for his entire defensive staff to get yoinked by his former defensive coordinator. Nevertheless, we should keep an eye on moving forward.
Now, about those offensive coach hires…