Bears Face Running Back Dilemma: Should D’Andre Swift Stay?
Chicago Bears face a critical decision regarding D’Andre Swift’s future as their leading running back heading into the 2025 offseason. After a subpar 2024 season, where he rushed for only 959 yards on 253 attempts and averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry, his performance raised concerns about his fit within the new offensive scheme under head coach Ben Johnson. With Swift’s dead cap hit at $8.7 million, cutting him is unlikely, but his role may be reduced if the Bears secure a more fitting back through free agency or the draft.
By the Numbers
- D’Andre Swift rushed for 959 yards on 253 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
- His success rate was 43.9%, marking a career low.
State of Play
- The Bears’ backfield is uncertain, with Swift’s inconsistent performance creating doubt about his future as RB1.
- Head coach Ben Johnson intends to focus on a strong ground game that may not align with Swift’s skills.
- The options in free agency are limited, making the draft a more viable route for acquiring a new running back.
What’s NextIf the Bears prioritize drafting a running back, it could signal Swift’s diminishing status as the lead back. They may target players like Omarion Hampton or Kaleb Johnson, who match the physical running style that aligns with Johnson’s vision. Decisions made this offseason will shape the backfield dynamics moving forward.
Bottom LineWith D’Andre Swift’s inconsistent performance and a new coaching philosophy, the Bears may be on the cusp of redefining their backfield. Drafting a running back or signing a free agent could ultimately determine Swift’s long-term position within the team’s roster. Swift’s future as RB1 hangs in the balance as the Bears assess their options.
Chicago Bears Add 2 Offensive Assistants To Coaching Staff
The Chicago Bears hoped this past season was the breakout year. They landed Caleb Williams and also signed many quality free agents. However, the coaching staff held the roster back. Head coach Matt Eberflus made some baffling decisions that lost games. In the middle of the season, he was fired. The team then landed one of the top candidates in the cycle, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He is in the process of totally remaking the coaching staff and hired two more offensive assistants this weekend.
Chicago Bears Hire 2 Offensive Assistants
Both of the coaches are from the college ranks and are up-and-coming names in the coach’s ranks. Oregon State offensive line coach Kyle DeVan was hired to join the staff. DeVan spent four seasons in the NFL playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans. After spending one year coaching with the New Orleans Saints, he has bounced around the college ranks as an offensive line coach. He will likely be an assistant offensive line coach under Dan Roushar.
The team then hired another young coach, Matt Aponte. He was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of San Diego this past season. At only 28 years old, he was the youngest offensive coordinator in Division I football. He was named to Coaching Network’s 30 Under 30 list, showing how respected he is among the people of the sport. He will likely help with the development of Williams and the offense.
2025 Outlook
The Chicago Bears will be a fascinating team to watch in 2025. Johnson gets his first crack at a head coaching position, and it is for a former division rival. The coaching staff is full of up-and-coming coordinators, something that has proven effective for other teams in the past half-decade. The cornerstone pieces are there on offense. DJ Moore has shown he can be a top wide receiver and top ten pick Rome Odunze also showed flashes last year.
The Chicago Bears’ issue is in the trenches. Last season, they gave up a league-high 68 sacks. It doesn’t matter how many weapons an offense has if they cannot protect the quarterback. Priority number one for Johnson will be helping the offensive line, something he hopes the presence of DeVan can fix. It isn’t just on offense. The defensive line needs to create more pressure as well. Montez Sweat only had 5.5 sacks all year. Aidan Hutchinson had more sacks and only played a handful of games. If the line play can be better, the Bears could be a tough team to beat in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bears hope they have finally gotten the coaching hire right. A rotating cast of characters has come through the program, and it has all ended the same way. With the players they have, the team hopes the new coaching staff can unlock the potential. These two coaching hires will hopefully help them build an offensive juggernaut that can compete with the rest of the NFC.
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