Bears' announcement explains skill set of 28-year-old Declan Doyle
![Dennis Allen officially became the Bears defensive coordinator on Tuesday, while Richard Hightower was announced as special teams coordinator and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator. Dennis Allen officially became the Bears defensive coordinator on Tuesday, while Richard Hightower was announced as special teams coordinator and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3290,h_1850,x_0,y_63/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/bear_digest/01jjqp1b72f13dzre1nd.jpg)
The Bears Tuesday officially announced what has widely been reported over the past few days—the hiring of their coordinators.
However, at least in stating the hiring of Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator, Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator and the retention of special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, they cleared up one mystery.
A statement was made about why they hired 28-year-old Doyle for OC.
"A sharp, innovative offensive mind, Declan's work ethic and attitude will be a tremendous asset as we work to build our offensive unit," Johnson said in the announcement. "Declan brings a unique skillset rooted in attention to detail, as well as individual development and collective growth."
New Bears OC Declan Doyle interview at the 2023 Senior Bowl, when he was with the Saints.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 27, 2025
Young. Hungry. Motivated. pic.twitter.com/zmpYmBXTt9
Doyle is not the play caller. Johnson said after his hiring that he would call plays. It's more of a game-planning assistant's job.
"It's going to be critical for me to find somebody that can organize and structure and set the table, particularly early in the week," was how Johnson had termed it.
The Bears had the same situation with Matt Nagy during part of his tenure in Chicago, although he gave up calling plays at one point.
Saints offensive assistant Jahri Evans on Bears OC Declan Doyle:
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) January 28, 2025
"I think he's going to do well. He's a very smart guy." pic.twitter.com/GeyBJ3PKyv
Doyle was tight ends coach for Denver the last two seasons. Denver's offense ranked 10th in scoring (25.0 points per game) and seventh in red zone TD percentage (62.5%) despite having a rookie, Bo Nix, playing quarterback. Their four tight ends collected 51 and 39 receptions the last two seasons since Doyle was tight ends coach.
Before that, Doyle had the title of offensive assistant with the Saints from 2019-22. The Saints offense had eight players named to a combined 12 Pro Bowls during the four seasons he worked for them, although he wasn't in charge of the offense.
Fun fact: The #Bears currently have 12 players on their roster older than new OC Declan Doyle
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 28, 2025
Marcedes Lewis was 12 years old when Doyle was born
The rest of the staff has not been officially released yet, and it had been reported that Hightower would be coordinating special teams again.
"A phenomenal reputation that precedes him, it has been incredible getting to know Richard and watching from afar how skilled of a coach and how passionate of a leader that he is," Johnson said in the statement.
Most people won’t understand how big of a loss this is for the cowboys and how big of a gain for Chicago.
— Connor (@Grid2Turf) January 24, 2025
Al Harris turned a laughable cowboys secondary into an all time one. He plays physical and preaches attacking the ball at the high point. Guy will turn Jaylon Johnson into… https://t.co/sb9QSkik2y
Some other staff hirings had already been reported. Former Detroit assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett will coach quarterbacks, former Lions receivers coach Antwaan Randle El will be assistant head coach and receivers coach and former Cowboys defensive backs coach Al Harris will be the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Coaches for the offensive line, running backs, tight ends, defensive line, safeties and linebackers haven't been named and former staff members could fill some of those spots.
Last week the team parted ways with several position coaches, including running backs coach. Chad Morton, receivers coach Chris Beatty, defensive passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke, and slot cornerbacks coach David Overstreet II.
"It's good to see that family get a win, it's really good to see that family get a win because they deserve it and they're good people" - @patangererHAWK
— Matt Randazzo (@MattRandazzo) January 27, 2025
Former Iowa All-American Pat Angerer talks about @coach_Doyle and his family after his son Declan was named Bears OC.
Pat… pic.twitter.com/v2yI08posH
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