Chicago Bears: Mark Helfrich hire ushers in a modern offense
The Chicago Bears hired former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich, which signals that the team intends to use a modern offense utilizing speed.
The Chicago Bears continue filling out the coaching staff after the firing of John Fox. They hired former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich as their offensive coordinator.
It’s no secret that general manager Ryan Pace put his job on the shoulders of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. He feels Trubisky is a star in the making and will do whatever it takes to help him succeed. Helfrich coming on board is further evidence of that.
Helfrich worked with Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota when both were at Oregon. He did a great job with Mariota, making it to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2014. He also helped Mariota win a slew of awards, including the Heisman Trophy. Head coach Matt Nagy and the Chicago Bears hope Helfrich does the same with Trubisky on the pro level.
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The Helfrich hire brings some excitement in Chicago. He and Chip Kelly designed an incredibly high-powered offense at Oregon. They utilized no-huddle and had speed, speed, and more speed. While some people worry about a Chip Kelly assistant succeeding at the pro level, they shouldn’t. Kelly thought of himself as a genius and thought he’d revolutionize the NFL. That didn’t quite happen. Helfrich did not call plays at Oregon, which is fine because Nagy announced he’d call plays in Chicago. Helfrich will help with the game plan, but his most important job is to develop Trubisky.
When Nagy took over play-calling from Andy Reid in the final month of the season in Kansas City, the Chiefs never scored less than 26 points per game. He used an attacking offense, something not seen very much throughout the history of the Bears. Additionally, having Helfrich on board may give people an idea of where Pace and the Bears go in free agency and the draft. Look for them to go after players who add speed. The combination of Nagy and Helfrich won’t change their stripes now.
In addition to Trubisky, the Helfrich hiring also helps the development of Tarik Cohen and Adam Shaheen. Both were severely under-utilized in 2017. Cohen has speed galore and Cohen runs excellent routes and has great hands. I’m sure they’ll find ways for Cohen to succeed similar to the way the New Orleans Saints used Alvin Kamara. Also, Nagy liked using the tight end so Shaheen may end up being the starter right away.
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It should be exciting to watch the Bears offense move down the field quickly AND score points as well. It’s about time they enter the modern age of the NFL.