A Trusted Voice in the Search for Chicago’s New OC

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton may have played a bigger role in shaping the future of an NFC North rival than many expected. When Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was looking for the right candidate to run his offense, he turned to Morton for advice. The result? Chicago’s hiring of Declan Doyle, a rising coaching talent now seen as the “next Ben Johnson.”

How Did John Morton Help Ben Johnson?

While speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson revealed that Morton’s endorsement was a key factor in his decision to bring Doyle to Chicago.

“He worked with Declan the last couple of years, and I asked him, ‘How’s Declan doing? Is he ready to be a coordinator?’” Johnson recalled, as quoted by Justin Rogers. “He said, ‘Ben, listen, he’s another Ben Johnson,’ which, I think that’s a good thing. I’m banking on that (being a) good thing.”

That high praise was enough to convince Johnson that Doyle had the intelligence, leadership, and innovation necessary to help build a successful offense in Chicago.

Who is Declan Doyle?

At just 28 years old, Declan Doyle is now one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the NFL. Although Johnson will be calling plays for the Bears in 2025, this position provides Doyle with an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the league’s most creative offensive minds.

Before joining Chicago, Doyle spent two seasons as the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos. Prior to that, he worked as an offensive assistant for four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, gaining experience under Sean Payton.

A Rising Star in the Coaching Ranks

Despite his young age, Doyle has already earned a reputation for his meticulous preparation and football IQ. Johnson expressed confidence in his new OC’s ability to command respect in the locker room.

“He thinks very much like me. It’s been awesome getting him into the building the last few weeks,” Johnson said. “Extremely detailed. Extremely organized. The age does not matter. He is going to be respected by not only the players but also his fellow coaches as well.”

With Doyle now in Chicago, the Bears hope they’ve found a future play-calling genius who can help take their offense to new heights. If Morton’s assessment proves correct, the NFC North could have another elite offensive mind to contend with in the years ahead.