All Trojans

Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle Opens Up On Caleb Williams, New Role

The Chicago Bears made waves after hiring 28-year-old Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator under new coach Ben Johnson. A former assistant with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos, Doyle looks to build with former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams.

Kyron Samuels

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to (C) listens as new head coach Ben Johnson (not pictured) answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to (C) listens as new head coach Ben Johnson (not pictured) answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
In this story:

First-year Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson has virtually rounded out the essential hires of this initial coaching staff. One of the more intriguing decisions was hiring Declan Doyle, a 28-year-old, as the offensive coordinator. Though it has been specified that Johnson will retain play-calling duties, to be an offensive coordinator for such a cornerstone franchise at 28 is nothing short of a meteoric rise through the professional coaching ranks. 

Although young, Doyle’s experience level isn’t a major question mark. Doyle spent three seasons as a student assistant under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa. Then, he spent four seasons as an offensive assistant under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints before spending the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos as the tight ends coach. While undoubtedly placed on the fast track, Doyle has still taken the most common route to get to this position. His job now? Helping former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams develop and take the next step while crafting an offensive game plan conducive to winning football for everyone. 

"I think the biggest thing is just the talent of the kid [WIlliams]," Doyle said. "The ability to use his legs — he is a tough kid. You see it on tape…His second act, his ability to evade the pocket, his ability to create is a special thing. It's something that I got to see with Bo [Nix] in Denver last year. That ability to evade and put pressure on a defense and kind of be the eraser of game-planning mistakes, I think that's exciting about [Caleb]." said Doyle to Bears reporters. 

MORE: Top-25 Basketball Poll Shakeup After Ranked Matchups: USC Trojans, South Carolina

MORE: Best Big Ten Receivers Ranked: Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, USC's Makai Lemon

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Among Highest Coaching Buyouts With Georgia's Kirby Smart

Doyle was also very clear about knowing what his role will be as the offensive coordinator. Even without play-calling duties, he knows how important of a role he plus and how much Ben Johnson has entrusted him with this opportunity. He’s a teacher, a communicator, and a vessel of information. Johnson will call the plays, but Doyle, along with others, will be tasked with setting the foundation and integrating schemes and philosophy to the players, such as Caleb Williams. 

"Basically, I have to do that work that [Johnson's] not gonna have time to do, and he's going to have to be able to trust me that I'm gonna give him the correct information he needs as a decision maker," said Doyle. "And really throughout the week, streamlining the teaching progression to the players, making sure that everything is built around them. Myself, Ben, and the rest of the staff, we're not gonna take a snap this year. We have to make sure that our players understand their toolbox, so they can go out and play fast and play at a high level."

One thing from Doyle’s introductory media session that glaringly stood out was his directness in why he loves to coach the game of football. 

"The reason I coach is people and the relationships and the ability to impact young people," Doyle stated. "This is my passion… I got to Iowa and I basically said, 'It's this or nothing. I don't have a plan B. I'm gonna put everything I have into this.' I did that and obviously it has led us here."

From the sound of it, Doyle seems like a seasoned veteran. He has the demeanor of a coach twice his age. Will the results follow? That remains to be seen, but for now, Bears fans can take solace in the fact that the likes of Sean Payton, Kirk Ferentz, and now Ben Johnson think so highly of their new offensive coordinator. 

MORE: USC Trojans Visit, Push For 5-Star Recruits Brandon Arrington, Elbert Hill Commitment

MORE: Las Vegas Raiders' Pete Carroll To Teach Class For USC Trojans While Coaching in NFL

MORE: USC Trojans To Land Elite Linebacker AJ Tuitele Over Texas Longhorns?

MORE: Colorado Buffaloes' Deion Sanders NCAA Violation: USC Trojans Decommit Julian Lewis

Published |Modified
Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

Home/Football