Bears complete interview with risk-reward candidate Todd Monken

The next three seasons, Winston threw 18, 14 and 14 interceptions. However, the strong-armed QB also threw 69 touchdown passes in that span. Also, the 14 interceptions Winston threw in 2018 didn't represent the Buccaneers' interception total under Monken. That was only four nine games. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 12 interceptions as the backup.

The next NFL quarterback Monken had came in 2019 when he went to Cleveland for one season as offensive coordinator, and the assignment was Year 2 for Baker Mayfield after he had shown real promise as a rookie with a 93.7 passer rating, 27 TDs to 14 interceptions, 63.8% completions and 7.7 yards an attempt. With Monken as coordinator Year 2 for Mayfield was a nosedive. He had a 78.8 passer rating with 59.4% completions but did maintain a healthy yards per attempt of 7.2 with 102 more yards (3,827) than he threw as a rookie.

The Browns were not good, either, and this definitely didn't help. But that was two No. 1 overall picks who didn't live up to expectations with Monken in Year 2 of their career. Mayfield has gone on to success Tampa Bay following brief stops in Carolina and Los Angeles.

So this would be Year 2 for Caleb Williams. Would the Bears be willing to entrust the No. 1 overall pick's development in Year 2 with someone who hadn't quite achieved success in a similar situation with two other No. 1 overall picks?

There's that gruff exterior to get over, although that's probably overrated.

Monken acknowledged it's something he needs to keep in check during an Oklahoman article while he was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State 14 years ago.

"The hardest part is when you're trying to communicate and coach, if you're not careful, the moment that you need them to be listening the most, they've tuned you out," Monken said. "That's what I never want to have happen—that if I'm swearing and I'm ranting and raving, that the point I'm trying to get across, they're now defending themselves and not listening because you're M-F'ing them, and you’re not getting across the point."

Monken's colorful coaching would no doubt be appreciated by Bears fans, who always loved that rough side of Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan. Sometimes players like it. The Bears could appreciate it after saying they wanted to be coached harder, as long as the language came with the coaching.

There is no doubt Monken has been outstanding as offensive coordinator with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. However, Jackson has been developed. He wasn't in Year 2. Then again, Monken isn't the same coach now who took over both former No. 1 picks Winston and Mayfield in Year 2 of their careers.

It will be up to the decision makers to decide whether he's ideal to benefit their No. 1 overall pick.

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