The Chicago Bears have officially appointed Press Taylor as their new offensive coordinator—an intriguing decision that carries some risk.
Head coach Ben Johnson has recently been exploring potential candidates for this pivotal role, especially after Declan Doyle accepted a similar position with the Baltimore Ravens, where he will have the chance to collaborate with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. During his search, Johnson considered various candidates, including Arizona's passing game coordinator, Connor Senger, before ultimately deciding to promote from within the organization. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team has chosen to elevate Press Taylor, who was serving as the passing game coordinator, to this key position.
This choice isn't entirely unexpected. Taylor brings with him previous experience as an offensive coordinator, having filled that role for three seasons in Jacksonville. Although he didn't directly call plays during that time—those duties were handled by head coach Doug Pederson—he is well-acquainted with what the job entails. At just 38 years old, Taylor is relatively young and can be expected to introduce innovative strategies that align with Johnson's vision for the team. Ultimately, this is a situation where trust in the head coach is essential. Johnson has observed Taylor's work closely over the past season, and if he believes Taylor is ready for this responsibility, then it's a move worth supporting.
In light of this promotion, it’s important to recognize that placing Press Taylor in this role does come with its share of uncertainties. Some fans might not remember, but Taylor arrived in Chicago carrying a notable reputation. Previously, he had substantial influence on the growth of young quarterbacks like Carson Wentz in Philadelphia and Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. Both players started their careers strongly, showcasing Pro Bowl-caliber performances early on. However, by their third seasons, both experienced significant declines in performance, leading many to attribute their struggles, at least in part, to Taylor's coaching.
To illustrate this, let’s look at the statistics of these quarterbacks during Taylor's tenure:
Carson Wentz (as Eagles QB coach):
- 2016: 3,074 yards, 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- 2017: 4,039 yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- 2018: 2,620 yards, 16 touchdowns, 15 interceptions
- 2016: 3,074 yards, 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Trevor Lawrence (as Jaguars offensive coordinator):
- 2021: 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions
- 2022: 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions
- 2023: 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- 2021: 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions
Given Caleb Williams' critical stage in his development, placing him under the guidance of someone with such a mixed track record could be seen as a significant risk. On the other hand, one must consider whether Press Taylor was simply a convenient target for criticism amid Pederson’s leadership, as Pederson was the one making the final calls in both instances. This ambiguity makes Taylor's promotion a challenging sell to skeptics. Furthermore, one can't ignore the possibility that Johnson's decision could be influenced by personal biases, stemming from their prior friendship and collaboration.
It's important to note that Press Taylor is not just any coach; he happens to be the brother of Zac Taylor, the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson and Zac worked together as assistants for four years at the Miami Dolphins and have maintained a close friendship. In fact, Zac once attempted to bring Johnson onto his staff in 2020, even offering him a defensive role to secure his services. This raises the question: is this promotion merely a gesture of goodwill from Johnson to help out a friend?
While that may sound overly analytical, there’s no denying that Press Taylor’s legacy is complex. He played a crucial role in helping Philadelphia clinch a Super Bowl title in 2017 and guided Lawrence to his first playoff victory. Johnson doesn't strike me as the type of coach who would make such a significant decision based solely on fleeting emotions or friendships; he genuinely believes that Taylor has valuable contributions to make to the Bears. Only time will tell what those contributions will look like.
