Reading Between the Lines of the Latest Chicago Bears Coaching Moves

Aug 24, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears helmets during the second half against the New York Giants at Metlife Stadium. The Bears won the game 20-17 Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The other day, word leaked that the Bears were bringing in a martial arts expert to help out on their coaching staff.  That move was confirmed the other day when the Bears formally announced the hiring of Joe Kim as Assistant Strength/Skill Development Coach.

Another move was wrapped up in that announcement, the promotion of Pat Meyer to Offensive Line Coach.  Meyer served as assistant offensive line coach last season behind Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer.

"“Pat came in with an understanding of the offense and quickly assimilated himself with the players,” head coach Marc Trestman said. “He worked with Aaron, collectively, to not only teach the offensive linemen but to bring them together collectively and cohesively as a group."

The move means that Aaron Kromer won’t be working as closely with the offensive line as he expands his role:

"“The move will allow Aaron to still be closely connected to the instruction and development of the offensive line while expanding his coordinator duties and free up time to help in the growth of all of our offensive players.”"

We all know that who the offensive coordinator for the Bears is, it’s coach Trestman.  So what does it mean when Kromer moves to cover more of the offense?  To me it means that offensive coordinator Trestman moves into a bigger role of overseeing the whole team and hopefully spending a little more time with Mel Tucker and Joe DeCamillis working on defense and special teams.

I like the move because it shows me that Trestman doesn’t want to become the offensive version of Lovie Smith.  He’s not just going to leave the defense off by itself and solely focus on “his side of the ball.”