Bears Dealt A Shocker As Declan Doyle Leaves — And Who May Replace Him

The Chicago Bears lost Eric Bieniemy to an offensive coordinator position with the Kansas City Chiefs. That wasn’t much of a shock. Bieniemy had worked there for almost a decade and wanted to go home. By far the bigger surprise was the latest news that offensive coordinator Declan Doyle would be leaving as well, taking the same position with the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Ben Johnson had granted teams permission to interview Doyle, knowing they likely came with opportunities to call plays, something he wouldn’t do in Chicago.

New Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter wanted to speak with him after hearing the many great things said about the young assistant. The interviews clearly went well, as Doyle now has a chance to forge his own path to becoming a head coach by working with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. If nothing else, this is a sign that Johnson did very well assembling his coaching staff last year. Hopefully, he maintains that sharp eye for talent as he looks to fill another crucial spot.

ESPN sources: the Baltimore Ravens are hiring Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator. Doyle can leave because, in Baltimore, he will have play-calling responsibility. But new Ravens HC Jesse Minter now has someone to run Baltimore’s offense. pic.twitter.com/ad4iDXLjyh

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2026

The Bears could've blocked Declan Doyle from leaving for the same title. But they granted Doyle permission to speak with the Eagles, then the Ravens, who now are hiring him. https://t.co/JuoRZ12wjg

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2026

A replacement for Declan Doyle isn’t hard to pinpoint.

Unless Johnson plans to just promote somebody from within, the obvious name to watch is Tanner Engstrand. The 43-year-old was recently fired by the New York Jets as their offensive coordinator due to several factors, many beyond his control. Engstrand served all three years on Johnson’s staff in Detroit, including the final two as passing game coordinator. The two know each other well. Engstrand is known for being sharp and innovative, which is what the Bears’ head coach wants in that role.

Another name worth watching is David Shaw. The former Stanford head coach was a finalist for the offensive coordinator job last year before it went to Declan Doyle. He took over as the passing game coordinator in Detroit. Perhaps the Bears may circle back a second time. Barring that, the two most likely in-house candidates are quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. Answers to this question will likely surface next week after the Senior Bowl.