The Chicago Bears head coach is more involved than you think.
The Chicago Bears are getting set to take on their most hated rival Green Bay Packers in a game that will ultimately decide their playoff fate. In advance of kickoff, there was some big news released regarding head coach Matt Nagy, part of which will have a direct impact on the outcome of today’s contest.
Earlier today, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was on with Rich Eisen to discuss the status of certain head coaches around the league — one of whom was Nagy. Interestingly, and somewhat unexpectedly after this recent winning streak, Rapoport indicated Nagy is likely to be back in 2021.
However, that wasn’t the most (or least depending on your perspective) surprising revelation during the brief segment.
One of the biggest reasons — in addition to the revamped offensive line — for the improved play has been the playcalling. A few weeks ago, Nagy revealed that he had turned over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. The improved results were almost immediate.
The gameplan incorporated much more play-action — most in the NFL during this stretch — and bootlegs which get Mitchell Trubisky out on the perimeter and on the run. This allows him to cut the field, and consequently his reads, in half, simplifying the amount of information he has to process.
Mitch has even commented on how happy he is that plays are being called to his strengths. As a result, Bears fans rejoiced and lauded Lazor for turning things around, with some even calling (prematurely) for him to replace Nagy as head coach.
In their previous five games, the Bears have score 41, 33, 36, 34, and 41 points respectively. And while most have singled out Lazor, it appears he is not entirely responsible for this transformation. In fact, it appears Nagy, the man who relinquished the responsibilities in the first place, maybe back in the saddle. Or at least taking a more assertive role in playcalling, according to Rapoport.
Fans who have paid attention this year probably figured as much when they saw Cole Kmet run a jet sweep on the goal line last week.
It was such a stereotypical “Nagy play” that it felt as though he had called it himself. Although tight ends coach Clancy Barone fell on the sword and took responsibility for suggesting the play, in light of this recent news, it seems more likely it was Nagy.
It’s an interesting dilemma for fans who have called for Nagy’s job. Has he finally shown the ability to adapt and scheme to his personnel? Or is he more likely to revert back to old habits like he did on that call to Kmet? It’ll be an interesting storyline to watch unfold today, especially if the Bears fall behind early, which they haven’t had to deal with during this run. If that happens, does Nagy try to go back to his old ways? Time will tell.
