Eric Bieniemy has moved on after one very successful season as running backs coach for the Chicago Bears, leaving for Kansas City to be the Chiefs‘ offensive coordinator.
Now, head coach Ben Johnson and company will be searching for a replacement, and there are a few more obvious contenders that come to mind. Current RBs coach Duce Staley is one. Darren Sproles is another.
But what if the Bears went a tad outside the box and hired a guy with no NFL coaching experience who has strong ties to the organization due to his previous success there as a player? We think former Bears RB Matt Forte could — or should — be an intriguing surprise candidate to replace Bieniemy. Let’s discuss.
The Case for Hiring Matt Forte to Replace Eric Bieniemy as Next RBs Coach for the Chicago Bears
GettyShould the Chicago Bears consider former RB Matt Forte for their vacant RBs coach position?
Forte isn’t a longtime NFL assistant, and he has zero experience coaching at the collegiate or professional level. That’s likely what will keep Johnson and company from adding him. But there’s something to be said for playing experience, and Johnson has several former players currently on staff, including Antwaan Randle El and Al Harris.
“It’s clear Johnson values playing experience when it comes to his positional staff,” Kole Noble of A to Z Sports wrote on January 19.
The Bears will be looking for a good teacher and solid leader who will hold the RBs group to a very high standard. Forte is well-respected in Halas Hall and beyond, and we think he’d be a definite asset to the staff.
Over 10 seasons in the league, Forte was the ultimate dual-threat out of the backfield. He amassed 9,796 yards rushing, 4,672 yards receiving and 75 total touchdowns in that span. He excelled as a receiver and held his own as a blocker and made two Pro Bowls (in 2011 and 2013). He was later recognized as one of the franchise’s 100 greatest players.
Forte has also spoken about his willingness to help his former team in any way he can.
“[General manager Ryan Poles] knows the value of having former guys be in the building, come around, come to practice, and those things,” Forte said back in 2024 (h/t A to Z Sports).
“They have always been very open and inviting all of the guys who played at a high level. When you have that, it inspires the younger guys who are coming up and want to walk in those same shoes.”
Forte Would Be a Surprise Hire
Forte’s lack of coaching experience isn’t going to do him any favors, but you have to start somewhere. Considering he has already expressed interest in helping the team, wouldn’t it at least be worth having a conversation with him if you’re Ben Johnson?
Forte is one of the defining Bears players of the early-mid 2000s, and players typically respond a bit better when a coach’s teachings are backed by lived experience.
Another thing to consider? The Bears are going to be scouring a coaching market where the best teachers are likely already employed. Why not bring Forte in for a sit-down to hear what he has to say? We think they could do a lot worse.
Bears Could Surprise & Add Former Standout RB to Staff Amidst Current Changes