The Bears are considering interviewing a less experienced candidate for one of their coordinator roles as they work to build out coach Ben Johnson’s staff.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that they’ve requested an interview with Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork for their offensive coordinator position.
At 34, Woolfork’s experience in the NFL is limited, which may make him an unconventional choice. However, he has gained recognition, particularly from Kyler Murray, who has credited Woolfork with making a significant impact on his career.
Johnson is seeking someone for the position who won’t call plays but will serve as an organizational coordinator during the week, allowing him to focus on coaching the entire team. Johnson has stated he’ll handle play-calling on game days.
“It’s going to be critical for me to find somebody that can organize and structure and set the table, particularly early in the week,” Johnson said Wednesday at Halas Hall. “I’ve worked with a number of guys who’ve called plays in the past, and I’ve seen how coaching the whole team can limit the time you have for tape study early in the week.”
Johnson emphasized that he needs an offensive coordinator who is not only trustworthy but also highly detail-oriented, organized, and structured, with the willingness to work late into the night.
Woolfork’s coaching career began at Miami (Ohio) where he worked as a position coach from 2013 to 2021, before spending two years with the Browns on coaching fellowships in 2021 and 2022. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 as their quarterbacks coach under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Woolfork played wide receiver at Grand Valley State.