Now officially in the offseason with Super Bowl LIX over, NFL teams are making changes to their rosters and coaching staffs. The Chicago Bears, fresh off a 5-12 season, are no different. After hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach, the Bears looked to add a bit of excellence to their coaching staff, hiring West High alum Declan Doyle ’14 as their newest offensive coordinator. 

While at West, Doyle played football for a few years before focusing his attention on baseball. Following his graduation, he continued his baseball career at Iowa Western Community College before ultimately transferring to the University of Iowa where he began his coaching career as an offensive student assistant for the football team. 

In addition to being heavily involved in baseball, the Iowa City native grew up around football as the son of former Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle. After three years of coaching experience, Doyle looked to the NFL to further his career. 

Doyle spent four years as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints, helping contribute to their 41-25 (.621) record over his four seasons. Moving from the bayou to the Rockies, Doyle then spent a year as the Denver Broncos’ tight ends coach before assuming the role of the Bears’ offensive coordinator.

Only 28 years old with no prior experience as an offensive coordinator, Doyle’s new role sparked some controversy. With a former offensive coordinator at the helm of the organization, it looks like Doyle won’t officially be calling the plays but will instead be organizing the game plan and streamlining the process to allow both Johnson and his players to succeed. Despite the controversy with his age and role, Johnson seemed confident in his pick as Doyle fit his strict requirements.

“The offensive coordinator position is going to have to be somebody that not only I trust but will be extremely detail-oriented, organized and structured to set the table and also be willing to work late nights,” Johnson said in his introductory press conference prior to the announcement of his offensive and defensive coordinators. 

As Doyle assumes his place in the Bears’ organization, he also assumes the role as the youngest current offensive coordinator in the league. Although a challenge, the West High alum is excited to begin working in Chicago. 

“I’m certainly very excited for the opportunity [in Chicago],” Doyle said in his introductory press conference. “We have a lot of work ahead of us and I can’t wait to dive in with [Johnson] and the rest of the offensive staff. My goal is to be as supportive as possible to [Johnson], our players and be a resource in any way that I can be. It’s an honor be [with the Bears] and [I’m] looking forward to getting to work.”