Newest Chicago Bears Coach Is Already Making An Impact
Coaching staffs change all the time. Good teams find a way to roll with the punches. Head coach Matt Eberflus encountered his first instance of such a challenge this off-season. Cornerback coach James Rowe, whom the Chicago Bears brought over with Eberflus from Indianapolis, accepted a position at his alma mater USF as their new passing game coordinator and safeties coach. That meant the Bears had to find a replacement. Eberflus opted to go with a familiar face, hiring longtime NFL assistant Jon Hoke.
Fans should know the man well. He was with the organization from 2009 through 2014, helping Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings reach their career peaks while also helping to draft eventual All-Pro Kyle Fuller. The man is widely respected around the league for his ability to develop defensive backs. By the sound of things, his presence is already felt in the building. One merely has to look at how he’s handling rookie Tyrique Stevenson for an idea.
The 2nd round pick hasn’t wasted time standing out in practice over the past month. While many continue to sing his praises, Hoke has made sure not to let it go to his head.
Not that the Chicago Bears assistant is surprised.
One of the reasons the team hired him was his reputation for having an excellent evaluation eye when it comes to talent. Stevenson was somebody he was a big fan of leading up to the draft. It’s why the Bears felt comfortable trading up for him. Based on his comments to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, he clearly has the highest expectations for the young corner.
“He’s done a good job of learning the defense,” said cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke. “It’s been quick for him. He’s done a good job of trying to understand the concepts we teach.”
Stevenson has the physical traits to be a dominant corner in the NFL, and the Bears were high enough on him to trade up from No. 61 to No. 56 to grab him in this year’s draft. Hoke said the traits and college tape alone made him “really excited” to get Stevenson in the building. After describing what Stevenson showed at minicamp, Hoke said he was “really, really excited.”
Stevenson isn’t the only rookie making noise too. The Chicago Bears’ 5th round pick, Terell Smith, has also made his share of plays in these practices. Hoke will deserve tons of credit if both end up becoming contributors this season. It would be quite the story. This man was around when the Bears experienced rock bottom in their long defensive legacy in 2013 and 2014. It would be fitting for Hoke to return and help regain their rightful mantle as one of the best in the NFL before retirement comes calling in a few years.