The Bears continue to shake up their offensive coaching staff following an abysmal effort by the unit in 2019.
After hiring offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, offensive line Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone, the Bears have added another new face to Matt Nagy’s staff.
Former Jaguars offensive coordinator John DeFilippo has been hired as the Bears quarterback coach, replacing Dave Ragone, who was promoted to passing game coordinator.
Here are six things to know about the Bears’ new quarterbacks coach:
1. DeFilippo interviewed for Bears head coaching job in 2018.
DeFilippo is no stranger to the Bears. Following his impressive stint as Eagles quarterbacks coach in 2017, he garnered head coaching interest from several teams including the Bears.
While DeFilippo didn’t get the job with Chicago — as Matt Nagy was their top choice — it sounds like DeFilippo impressed the Bears in his interview.
2. DeFilippo stumbled as offensive coordinator at his last two stops.
At one point, DeFilippo was a frontrunner for a head coaching position in 2018, following his impressive work with Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. After he didn’t get a head coaching position, he was hired as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, where he was tasked to work with quarterback Kirk Cousins.
DeFilippo didn’t make it through the entire season, as he was released following a less-than-inspiring effort by Minnesota. At the time of his firing on Dec. 11, the Vikings offense hadn’t scored more than 24 points in six straight games. They ranked 17th in total yards (354.4), eighth in passing yards (269.0), 30th in rushing yards (85.4) and 20th in scoring (21.7).
He was hired by the Jaguars in the same capacity, and once again DeFilippo was fired after one season. Jacksonville had a struggling offensive line and lacked a run game, and the offensive output wasn’t up-to-par. Last season, the Jags ranked 26th in the NFL in points per game (18.8) and 20th in yards per game (342.0).
3. If there’s a guy that can pull the best out of Mitchell Trubisky, it’s DeFilippo.
While DeFilippo struggled as an offensive coordinator with the Vikings and Jaguars, he has a proven track record working with quarterbacks. DeFilippo is best known for his work with Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz during his MVP-caliber season in 2017.
DeFilippo has experience working closely with quarterbacks — and highly-drafted quarterbacks. Which should be good news for Mitchell Trubisky, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract with his future in question.
While we still don’t know what the Bears quarterback situation will look like heading into training camp — aside from Trubisky being on the roster — DeFilippo should do wonders for the Bears quarterbacks room.
4. DeFilippo coached under another Andy Reid disciple in Doug Pederson.
While the obvious connection between DeFilippo and the Bears comes with him interviewing for the Bears head coaching job in 2018, there’s also an Andy Reid connection. Of course.
DeFilippo has an extensive resume in the NFL, including stops as quarterback coach with the Raiders, Jets and Browns. But his stock rose during his time as Eagles quarterbacks coach (2016-17), where he coached quarterback Carson Wentz in his MVP-caliber season before his season-ending knee injury.
DeFilippo worked under head coach Doug Pederson, who was the Chiefs offensive coordinator with Reid before getting a head coaching opportunity.
5. The Bears lured DeFilippo away from multiple teams.
The Bears had some competition for DeFilippo’s services, according to Adam Caplan. You have to wonder if the Bears’ affinity for DeFilippo — and the lasting impression the Bears left on DeFilippo during his head coaching interview — sealed the deal.
6. DeFilippo is an impressive offensive mind.
Need proof? Watch this.
