In a move that has raised eyebrows across the NFL, the Chicago Bears are reportedly targeting Drew Petzing, the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, for an interview. This comes as no surprise given the Bears’ desperate search for offensive improvement following another disappointing season.
The Bears, who have struggled to build a consistently effective offense over the past few years, are looking to turn the page and bring in fresh ideas to help quarterback Justin Fields reach his potential. With head coach Matt Eberflus under mounting pressure to show progress in his third year, the search for a new offensive mind is now at the top of the Bears’ to-do list.
Petzing, 35, has only one season of play-calling experience at the NFL level, but his work with Arizona’s offense this year has garnered attention. Under Petzing’s watch, the Cardinals have shown flashes of potential, despite dealing with a variety of obstacles, including injuries and quarterback instability. Petzing’s ability to develop young talent and create a more dynamic offensive scheme has caught the eye of several teams, and the Bears appear eager to get in on the action.
The interview request for Petzing may come as a bold decision by the Bears’ front office, but it’s one that reflects the urgency surrounding the franchise’s future. Fields, who showed signs of growth in 2023, needs better coaching and a more tailored offensive scheme if he is to take the next step. The Bears’ previous offensive coordinators have failed to get the best out of him, and it’s clear that a major change is required to get Chicago’s offense back on track.
If the Bears indeed land an interview with Petzing, it will undoubtedly send a message to the entire league that they are serious about finding the right offensive leader. However, whether Petzing is the right fit for a team in dire need of immediate results remains to be seen. As the Bears continue their search for an offensive coordinator, it’s clear they are exploring every avenue in their effort to rebuild and eventually return to contention.