In a shocking move on Tuesday, the Chicago Bears announced that they have fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy after just one season. Getsy, who was hired last year after serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers, oversaw an offense that struggled mightily in 2022. Meanwhile, head coach Matt Eberflus has been retained despite the team’s disastrous 3-14 record.
Offense Underperformed Expectations Under Getsy
The Bears offense was expected to take a step forward in 2022 under Getsy’s leadership. Second-year quarterback Justin Fields showed flashes of promise at times, but the unit as a whole sputtered for much of the season.
Chicago ranked 29th in yards per game (297.4), 28th in points scored (17.4 ppg), and 32nd in third down conversion rate (26.3%). The run game was a bright spot, averaging 131.1 yards per game thanks largely to Fields’ mobility. But the passing attack floundered towards the bottom of the league without reliable weapons.
Getsy took heat as the playcaller and architect of the scheme. His passing concepts lacked creativity at times, failing to scheme receivers open consistently. The offensive line battled injuries and allowed a league-high 58 sacks. Still, many questioned Getsy’s ability to counter opponents with adjustments when the original gameplan faltered.
Eberflus Stays On Despite 3-Win Season
Retaining Eberflus comes as a surprise given the Bears’ lack of progress in the standings during his first year. Chicago matched its worst record since the NFL moved to a 17-game schedule, resulting in the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
However, general manager Ryan Poles expressed confidence that Eberflus can lead a turnaround. He cited the culture and discipline installed in Year 1 as reasons to maintain continuity heading into 2023-24. Poles also noted improvements in situational football and defense late in the season under Eberflus.
| 2022 Bears Season Results | |
|---|---|
| Record | 3-14 |
| Points Scored Per Game | 17.4 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 297.4 |
| Third Down Conversion % | 26.3% |
While the team’s development was difficult to see in the win column, Poles remains confident Eberflus can bring success once deficiencies in talent are addressed. Still, Eberflus will face pressure to show progress next season regardless of the quarterback.
OC Candidates Emerge As Search Begins
With Getsy now unemployed, Poles and Eberflus will immediately commence their search for a new offensive coordinator. Early candidates include former Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, Rams passing game coordinator/QBs coach Zac Robinson, and Eagles QBs coach Brian Johnson.
Brady brings familiarity with Eberflus, having spent the past two seasons together in Indianapolis. His previous stint as a playcaller with the Colts did not end well, ultimately losing duties to head coach Frank Reich. But Brady has a strong reputation for working with quarterbacks and could help revive Fields or a rookie signal caller.
Robinson is a fast-rising assistant who interviewed for OC jobs last year. He brings an innovative passing mindset rooted in the Sean McVay system. Given Poles’ stated goal of modernizing the Bears offense, the 36 year old Robinson seems a strong schematic fit.
Finally, Johnson burnished his credentials guiding Jalen Hurts to an MVP-caliber season this year in Philadelphia. His background under Joe Moorhead’s RPO-heavy scheme could mesh well with Fields’ athleticism. Of the three, Johnson may have the most sizzle to excite Bears fans about the direction of the offense.
What Move Means For QB Situation
The Bears enter the offseason with questions remaining about their long-term plans at quarterback. By retaining Eberflus and firing Getsy, Poles leaves open the possibility for changes under center.
Chicago could opt to trade the No. 1 pick for a package of draft capital to build around Fields. But Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud loom as potential replacements if Poles starts over at QB. The new offensive coordinator could have significant input on who leads the offense in 2023.
Regardless, more upheaval seems inevitable for the skill positions. Poles admitted evaluating the quarterback position remains his top priority, along with supplying better weapons. That signals potential departures for veterans in the final year of their contracts like RB David Montgomery and WR Darnell Mooney.
The Bears hope their flurry of coaching changes will unlock the potential of the offense. But until dramatic upgrades come at quarterback, line, and skill positions, growing pains are likely to persist.
This drastic shakeup leaves the unit devoid of continuity aside from offensive line coach Chris Morgan. All eyes now turn to Poles’ OC hire and plans for the quarterback. Bears fans will watch intently whether the latest reset finally bears fruit on the field next season.
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