The Chicago Bears continue to search for their next offensive coordinator, and the list of potential candidates has just thinned. Tanner Engstrand, most recently the New York Jets' offensive coordinator and formerly a close staff member of Bears head coach Ben Johnson, has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons to be their offensive passing game coordinator.
Engstrand going to the Falcons removes one likely candidate from the board of candidates for Chicago. Engstrand previously worked under Ben Johnson in Detroit, joining Johnson's staff as an offensive assistant and rising to the pass game coordinator role before departing to join the Jets.
With Engstrand relieved of his post following the 2025 season, it follows that he and Ben Johnson had spoken about the open position in Chicago. Now that Engstrand's name has been removed from selection, the Bears must turn their attention to other names and other coaches.
The Decision Starts With Ben Johnson
Whomever the Bears hire needs to follow Johnson's philosophy on offensive scheme, quarterback development, and continuity, and the cohesion to work with the staff Johnson already has in place. The development of quarterback Caleb Williams is paramount to the Bears' health over the next several years, so the coach Johnson selects to fill this role must understand this mission if they're to stay the course and continue the momentum built in 2025.
Looking within the organization, Johnson and the Bears' front office should consider JT Barrett, the Bears' current quarterbacks coach. He's already a name that Johnson trusts to work directly with Williams and Johnson alike. Promoting from within shows confidence and reassures the team and staff that management has faith and belief in this roster.
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Barrett is far from the only name in the candidate bowl, and the Bears don't need to fill this post immediately. With the Super Bowl still a week away and the offseason still not fully underway, the Bears have time. They'd be wise to fill the position sooner rather than later, but haste now without proper consideration could have a disastrous effect on the future of this team.