NEWSLETTER
Earlier today, the Chicago Bears had their individual coordinators stand up at the podium to face the media. And the most highly anticipated presser was undoubtedly new Offensive Coordinator – and play caller – Luke Getsy.
Getsy, 37, takes over as the play caller in Chicago. But more than that, Getsy is the top offensive voice on the team. He’ll be responsible for devising the scheme, putting together a playbook, and molding it to the players he is given. Getsy touched on that and much more in his first press conference.
It Starts With Justin Fields
"We are going to build this thing around the quarterback position." – #Bears OC Luke Getsy.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) February 10, 2022
Let’s lead off by sharing Getsy stating the obvious. The Bears are building their offense around the quarterback. Which means Justin Fields is at the center of it all. Chicago’s football team is about to embark on an offseason in which the goal is to build something that highlights Fields’ strengths. And while building the offense means there will need to be an injection of fresh talent, building the scheme begins with concepts, designs, and calls that can bring out the best in QB1.
In other words, the Bears won’t be playing a specific style. They won’t be trying to jam Andy Reid’s playbook down your throat. Instead, Getsy is piecing together an offense rooted in the skills of the players at his disposal — starting with the quarterback. And that’s the way it should be.
Again, this is such a “duh” moment. But we shouldn’t take it for granted. Not only is it good to address it this way, it is refreshing to do so after what the last three years have been for these Bears. Matt Nagy failed to tailor his offense around the quarterback. What he ended up doing was implementing a system in a rigid manner that didn’t take into consideration that quarterback’s strengths. Because, for Nagy, the system was the star. But in reality, it’s the players who make the system. Nagy failed to realize that. And now, he is gone.
Who’s ready for the Luke Getsy show?
If the Players Shine, the Scheme Shines
New Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy: "We have to dive into what everybody does best and it starts with the quarterback. … And then we’re going to marry that to what the other guys on the football field do well.”
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) February 10, 2022
When building an offense, just know that it isn’t solely about the quarterback. Sure, QB1 is the most important piece of the puzzle. Good ones keep things chugging along. Great ones elevate those around them in the huddle. But building a good offense doesn’t stop at catering to the quarterback’s strengths. The best offenses are put together with the strengths of the players in it in mind. And that should not be ignored. Unfortunately, the prior regime didn’t do that often enough. No wonder they’re no longer with the organization.
Moving forward, Getsy molding an offense based on the players he has represents a departure from the past is a nice departure from what we have grown accustomed to in Chicago.
All in all, Getsy seems like a coach with a vision. One who will build from the ground up, have some flexibility, and evolve when the time comes. Most importantly, he’ll aim to do that with the players at his disposal in mind. This will be a refreshing take on things. Not only are we seeing new eyes on old problems, we’ll likely see different elements and concepts from various schemes. That would be a change of pace from the previous regime, which was trying to make “fetch” happen by shoving square pegs into round holes in the name of running Andy Reid’s system.
“A Very Special Relationship” With Davante Adams
#Bears OC Luke Getsy on #Packers WR Davante Adams: "Davante and I have a very special relationship. … The things that stands out about him more than anything is just his commitment, passion and drive for this game. It was relentless."
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) February 10, 2022
One of the things I find most unique about the Getsy hire is his experience in different roles in an offense. Yes, he is a quarterback at heart. He played the position and has coached it, but it isn’t the only thing he knows. Getsy’s experience coaching receivers should give him some perspective on how to craft a functioning offense. And yet, I’d bet on a bunch of folks gravitating to the quote above referencing his time with Davante Adams a bunch between now and the start of free agency.
However, as Patrick underscored in his receiver-centric post this morning, the chances of Adams landing in Chicago are slim to none — and slim looks to have already left the building. Nevertheless, Getsy’s experience with Adams and (sigh) Aaron Rodgers hints at his ability to reach across and connect with players at different position groups. That could bode well for him as he makes the elevation to offensive coordinator.
Odds and Ends:
• This is a fun factoid, via The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain:
New Bears OC Luke Getsy reflecting on meeting Justin Fields at the combine last year: “Super impressed with the man, the person. You can feel the determination, the will inside him. … He was super sharp with what they did at Ohio State."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) February 10, 2022
It is note worthy that Getsy met with Fields during the pre-draft process in 2021 while as an employee of the Packers. That he had a positive experience is also a noteworthy takeaway. I doubt Getsy takes this job in Chicago without already feeling good about where Fields was and where he could go with the proper tutelage, instruction, and installment of a winning scheme.
• This answer doesn’t surprise me, but I’m still sharing it:
Bears O.C. Luke Getsy says he not ready to give specifics on how best to utilize Justin Fields.
"This is going to take time. We will dial into what he does best."
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) February 10, 2022
Getsy was never going to have all the answers in his first press conference. And his admission that this will take some time to figure out suggests to me that Getsy knows the reality of the situation. There are no shortcuts. And this will not be some overnight turnaround.
• Another fun nugget, this time from NBC Sports Chicago’s Adam Hoge:
New #Bears OC Luke Getsy makes it clear the Bears will be building their own offense around their players. "It won't be a copy-cat." Also says he's very passionate about the play calling opportunity. Matt LaFleur gave him the chance to call plays in the preseason in GB.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) February 10, 2022
Pretty neat to know that Matt LaFleur gave Getsy some preseason play calling experience. Some coaches (ahem) don’t give that up easily because of their egos. Hopefully, LaFleur can’t use what he knows about Getsy’s tendencies against him at the most inopportune time.
Also, I’m digging Getsy’s declaration that this won’t be a copy-cat deal. He isn’t simply going to lift what the Packers do and try to replicate that in Chicago. For what it’s worth, GM Ryan Poles was sharing a similar sentiment in terms of bringing some of that Kansas City flavor to Chicago. As Poles said, you’ll never be able to re-create your old situation in your new home. But what you can do is draw from those experiences, then apply them to your new gig. That’s deep.
For more from Getsy, you can watch the full presser below:
