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May 10, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle answers questions after rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears coach ambushes Ben Johnson after earlier decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 6:29 PM ET

The Chicago Bears will get a late jump on two key pieces for the organization.

On Thursday, assistant general manager Ian Cunningham accepted the general manager job with the Atlanta Falcons. That shouldn’t be hard for the Bears to replace.

A source told ChiCitySports that head coach Ben Johnson wouldn’t have minded losing Cunningham to the Falcons, even if the Bears received no compensatory draft picks in return. Johnson thinks highly of Jeff King, Bears senior director of player personnel.

However, Chicago will be seriously behind in the hiring cycle to find its next offensive coordinator.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Declan Doyle is leaving to call plays for the Baltimore Ravens.

“ESPN sources: the Baltimore Ravens are hiring Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator,” Schefter posted on X. “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.

“New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and QB Lamar Jackson are both 29 years old.”

New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and QB Lamar Jackson are both 29 years old. https://t.co/oOY1BlVQfz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2026

Doyle’s decision came after the offensive coordinator pulled back from an opportunity to call plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared ready to stay with the Bears as he prepares to become a head coach candidate in 2027.

Declan Doyle ambushed the Chicago Bears

Now, he’s ambushed the Bears and Johnson.

Former Bears running backs Eric Bieniemy just left to become the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs. He could have been in line for a promotion if Chicago knew Doyle would leave.

Earlier on Friday, Schefter reported the Ravens were talking to Doyle and Denver Broncos assistant coach Davis Webb. Doyle worked as the Broncos tight ends coach in 2024 before joining Chicago’s offensive coordinator under Johnson.

But Johnson called the plays.

New Ravens head coach Jesse Minter wanted an offensive coordinator to elevate Lamar Jackson.

“Look at the clips of what Jesse Minter said when he was the Chargers defensive coordinator and they had to go up against Lamar Jackson. He said at that point in time when Justin Herbert was his quarterback, that Lamar Jackson is one-of-one—the best player in the league.

“He wasn’t even as clear today about it as he was back then when he was going up against Lamar Jackson. They are now looking for that offensive coordinator that they believe can help restore Lamar Jackson’s play and bring him back to an MVP level.”

Minter thinks Doyle will be that guy.

Now Johnson must find an offensive coordinator who can continue to develop Caleb Williams. The Bears have had five offensive coordinators since 2003.

Before the 2026 season started, Chicago will now have a fifth offensive coordinator since Williams was drafted in 2024.

And thinks to Doyle’s late decision to leave, the Bears will be lucky to find a top replacement for 2026.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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