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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Alyssa Barbieri

Bears should target Mike Kafka as new offensive coordinator

The Bears have taken their time searching for their next offensive coordinator. Perhaps they’re doing their due diligence. Or perhaps they’re waiting for someone currently on a playoff team.

With Pat Shurmur officially off the market, as he’s expected to join Denver as their new offensive coordinator, another name that’s been linked to the Bears is another Andy Reid disciple: Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka.

Kafka has ties to Bears coach Matt Nagy, as both worked on Reid’s coaching staff in 2017, where Nagy served as offensive coordinator and Kafka as an offensive quality control coach. Before that, Kafka played as a backup quarterback with the Eagles during Nagy’s time as an offensive assistant in Philadelphia with Reid.

Kafka is an option that makes the most sense, especially now with Shurmur off the market. The Chiefs can deny the Bears the ability to interview Kafka, but Reid is someone that tends to encourage his guys to move up the ranks.

While Kafka was expected to be promoted to Chiefs offensive coordinator after Eric Bieniemy got a head coaching gig, that didn’t go as planned. Bieniemy will remain with the Chiefs next season.

Two years ago, Kafka joined Reid’s staff in Kansas City, where he quickly rose up the ranks. Many believe that Kafka could wind up with a head coaching gig within the next two years.

Then there’s the hometown element. Kafka is from Chicago and played for and coached at Northwestern, which you have to figure would make Chicago an attractive option.

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