The Chicago Bears’ rapid rise in 2025 didn’t just change expectations on the field, it also put their coaching staff squarely in the crosshairs of the rest of the NFC.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Philadelphia Eagles have requested permission to interview Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for their vacant OC position.
While Doyle may already carry the title of offensive coordinator in Chicago, Ben Johnson calls the plays. In Philadelphia, that would not be the case. For a 29 year old coach who became the NFL’s youngest offensive coordinator last season, this is the kind of career defining step that doesn’t come around often.
The resume that’s turning heads
GettyBears OC Declan Doyle with QB Caleb Williams
Declan Doyle’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed.
- Offensive assistant under Sean Payton in New Orleans (2019-2021)
- Stayed with the Saints during the 2022 transition year
- TE coach under Payton in Denver (2023-2024)
- Hired by Ben Johnson in 2025 as Chicago’s offensive coordinator
Payton and Johnson are two of the league’s most respected offensive architects. Both are known for heavy pre-snap motion, formational diversity, and combining the run and pass game well. Doyle has spent nearly his entire NFL career inside those systems… Teams don’t overlook that.
It’s easy to give Johnson the headlines (and deservedly so) but Doyle was in the room for one of the biggest offensive turnarounds in the NFL.
- 2024: #32 offense in the league
- 2025: #6 offense in the league
- Improved from 5-12 to 11-6
- NFC North title, wild card win over Green Bay, divisional round loss to the Rams
The Chicago Bears finished the season with a top tier explosive play rate, a massive jump in early down efficiency, and one of the league’s most improved red zone offenses.
Ben Johnson may have been calling the plays, but Doyle helped build the structure, the weekly plans, and the developmental process that unlocked Williams’ breakout season.
Why Philadelphia is looking at Chicago
GettyBears OC Declan Doyle
The Eagles are casting an unusually wide net in their search to replace Kevin Patullo, who was fired after one season. They’ve already interviewed veteran names, recycled play callers, and former head coaches.
Turning to Declan Doyle signals something different: a bet on infrastructure and ideas rather than resume length.
Philadelphia has hired first time play callers twice under Nick Sirianni, and fired both after one season. That history makes Doyle a riskier choice, but it also explains the intrigue. If the Eagles believe they need fresh thinking rather than familiar faces, a coach molded by Payton and Johnson fits that profile.
Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy already departed. Defensive backs coach Al Harris is drawing defensive coordinator interest. Now Doyle is on the radar of a conference rival… That’s the cost of success.
For the Bears, the challenge is simple but critical… Protect the offensive continuity around Caleb Williams. Whether that means retaining Doyle, elevating another internal voice, or preparing for inevitable turnover, the front office now has a real test ahead.
The rebuild phase is over. Now the Chicago Bears are dealing with the problems contenders have, and the rest of the NFC is watching closely.
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