The Chicago Bears have revealed notable changes to their coaching lineup under Head Coach Ben Johnson, including a promotion and several new hires for the 2026 season. These updates are part of an effort to strengthen their strategical approach and boost their performance moving forward.
Press Taylor has been promoted to the role of Offensive Coordinator, while Eric Studesville returns as Running Backs Coach. Additionally, Will Lawing joins as Offensive Analyst, and Isaiah Ford has been appointed as Offensive Quality Control Coach. These adjustments come as the Bears emphasize enhancing their offensive coaching structure.
Press Taylor’s Path to Offensive Coordinator
Entering his second year with the Bears, Press Taylor’s elevation to Offensive Coordinator marks the next step in his ascending coaching career. Initially hired in 2025 as the Pass Game Coordinator, Taylor helped guide one of the franchise’s most successful passing offenses. Quarterback Caleb Williams set a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards during the regular season, capped by a record 361-yard postseason passing performance in the NFC Wild Card victory over Green Bay.
The Chicago offense under Taylor posted the fewest giveaways in the NFL last season, totaling just 11, and ranked second in points scored off opponent turnovers with 104. Impressively, the Bears scored 109 points during the fourth quarter and overtime over the final ten weeks, the highest tally in the league. The team finished the regular season with 441 points, placing third in the franchise’s all-time single-season scoring list.
Taylor brings extensive NFL experience, having spent three seasons as Offensive Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2022 to 2024. Before that, he spent one year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 and eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing pivotal roles including Quarterbacks Coach and Passing Game Coordinator, contributing to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory in 2017. His coaching journey began at Tulsa as a Graduate Assistant focusing on quarterbacks.
As a player, Taylor was a quarterback at Marshall University (2009-10) after a successful stint at Butler Community College in Kansas, where he helped lead the team to consecutive Junior College National Championships. During that time, he served as team captain and amassed a 17-1 record as a starter.
Eric Studesville Returns to Lead Running Backs Unit
Eric Studesville rejoins the Bears for the 2026 season as Running Backs Coach, bringing nearly three decades of NFL coaching experience. He spent the past eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2018-25), serving as Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach, overseeing a talented group that included two 1,000-yard rushers: De’Von Achane in 2025 and Raheem Mostert in 2023.
Achane ranked fifth in the NFL for rushing yards in 2025 with 1,350, while Mostert’s 1,012 yards helped power Miami’s offense to the league’s third-best rushing average. Studesville also contributed to Denver Broncos teams that earned two AFC Championships and won the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.
His first NFL coaching experience came with the Bears in the late 1990s, initially as a minority coaching fellow in 1996, then in an Offensive Quality Control capacity from 1997 to 2000. Prior to the NFL, Studesville spent six years coaching in college, starting as a graduate assistant after his playing career as a defensive back at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Will Lawing’s Offensive Expertise Strengthens Bears Staff
Will Lawing joins Chicago as an Offensive Analyst after two seasons at Boston College, where he served as Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach. Before his tenure at Boston College, Lawing was the Tight Ends coach for the New England Patriots in 2023, guiding Hunter Henry to the second-most receiving yards by a Patriots pass-catcher that year with six receiving touchdowns.
Lawing’s deep coaching background includes two years as an Offensive Analyst at the University of Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2021, followed by a Sugar Bowl victory in 2022. His NFL experience spans seven years with the Houston Texans (2014-20), where he held various roles from Defensive Quality Control to Tight Ends Coach. During that time, Houston secured four AFC South Division titles.
Lawing began coaching at Juniata College in 2009, advancing to Offensive Coordinator over his four-year tenure, and later worked as a Graduate Assistant at Penn State. A native of Boone, North Carolina, he played wide receiver for the University of North Carolina from 2004 to 2007, sharing the field with current Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson.
Isaiah Ford Brings NFL Experience to Quality Control Role
Isaiah Ford enters the coaching ranks for Chicago as an Offensive Quality Control Coach after a five-year NFL career primarily as a wide receiver. Ford played in 32 games for the Miami Dolphins and had stints with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and the Bears themselves. Across his professional career, he recorded 63 receptions for 681 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Ford was a standout at Virginia Tech from 2014 to 2016, where he ranks as the program’s all-time leader in career receiving touchdowns (24), single-season receiving touchdowns (11 in 2015), single-season yards (1,164 in 2015), and receptions (79 in 2016). His collegiate performance earned him two All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors, including first-team selection in 2015.
Additional Team Updates and Player Status
Alongside coaching changes, the Bears have recently made progress regarding player availability. Defensive backs Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson have both been designated for return, activating their respective 21-day practice windows. Additionally, defensive end Austin Booker and running back Travis Homer have been cleared to return from injured reserve.
Offensive line duties see rookie Theo Benedet set to start at left tackle in an upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, marking a significant opportunity for the first-year player. Meanwhile, quarterback Caleb Williams and several starters are scheduled to participate in preseason matches as part of the team’s preparation for the regular season.
The Bears continue to engage with their fanbase through events, including an open training camp with free practice sessions at Halas Hall and Family Fest at Soldier Field. The organization has also released their 2025 preseason schedule and announced jersey numbers for newly acquired players.
Implications of Coaching Staff Changes for the Chicago Bears
These coaching modifications reflect Chicago’s determined effort to refine their offensive strategy and build on last season’s successes highlighted by record-setting performances from key players. The promotion of Press Taylor signals confidence in his leadership to further develop the passing game, while the return of veteran coach Eric Studesville adds trusted experience to the rushing attack.
Will Lawing and Isaiah Ford bring fresh perspectives and NFL pedigree that may enhance game planning and player development. Collectively, these updates position the Bears to compete more effectively in the 2026 season as they aim to capitalize on their offensive strengths and address previous challenges.
The integration of these coaches is a key piece in the organization’s broader vision under Head Coach Ben Johnson, whose connection to the team as a former player and coach provides a foundation of continuity and ambition. The upcoming months, including training camp and preseason games, will offer insight into how these changes translate on the field and influence Chicago’s trajectory.
