The Chicago Bears find themselves at a critical juncture following another disappointing loss, while the New Orleans Saints demonstrate how swift coaching changes can revitalize a struggling team. The Saints’ success under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, winning three of their last four games, offers valuable lessons for a Bears organization seeking direction.
Special teams excellence matters
One striking insight from the Saints’ turnaround comes from their willingness to elevate a special teams coordinator to the top position. Dave Toub, currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, stands out as a prime example of how special teams coordinators can succeed in larger roles. His previous experience with Chicago (2004-2012) saw the Bears consistently rank among the league’s top special teams units.
Former NFL head coach Brian Billick notes, “Special teams coordinators often make excellent head coaches because they’re used to managing entire rosters and different personalities. They see the game from a complete perspective.”
Running game revolution
The Saints’ commitment to the ground game under Rizzi has produced impressive results. In their three recent victories, they averaged 32 rushing attempts per game, maintaining a crucial offensive balance. Meanwhile, the Bears abandoned their run game against the 49ers after just 16 attempts, despite Justin Fields showing early success on the ground.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah observes, “The Saints have found their identity through the run game. It’s making everything else easier – play action, third downs, time of possession. The Bears need to learn from this approach.”
Stability breeds evaluation
New Orleans’ relatively smooth transition under Rizzi has enabled better talent assessment. Since taking over, they’ve identified key contributors like rookie running back Kendre Miller and seen improved performance from quarterback Derek Carr. The Bears, conversely, struggle to evaluate young talent in their current unstable environment.
Former Bears scout Greg Gabriel explains, “Constant chaos makes it impossible to properly evaluate players. You need stability to make informed decisions about your roster’s future.”
Leadership dynamics
The Saints’ success highlights the importance of clear leadership structure. Rizzi’s experience coordinating multiple units has helped him manage the entire team effectively. His approach provides valuable insights as the Bears consider Thomas Brown’s potential ascension to head coach by 2025.
“What Rizzi’s doing in New Orleans isn’t just about X’s and O’s,” says ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “It’s about creating a culture where players know their roles and believe in the system.”
Statistical success
Numbers tell a compelling story about both teams’ trajectories. Under Rizzi, the Saints have improved in several key metrics:
- Third down conversion rate up 12%
- Red zone efficiency increased from 48% to 63%
- Time of possession averaging 32:45 (up from 28:30)
- Penalties per game down by 2.5
Cultural transformation
The Saints’ quick adaptation to new leadership demonstrates the impact of positive culture change. Players have responded to Rizzi’s straightforward approach and clear expectations. Veterans like Cameron Jordan praise the new environment: “There’s a different energy now. Everyone knows their role and believes in what we’re doing.”
Future considerations
As the Bears plan their future, the Saints’ experience offers valuable insights about succession planning. NFL insider Adam Schefter reports several teams are taking notice of Rizzi’s success, potentially influencing future coaching searches across the league.
Player development focus
The stability in New Orleans has accelerated young player development. Rookie contributors are thriving in clearly defined roles, while veterans mentor effectively in the structured environment. This contrast sharply with Chicago’s situation, where young talent often appears overwhelmed.
Special teams innovation
Rizzi’s special teams background has brought innovative approaches to all phases of the game. The Saints have improved their average starting field position by seven yards under his leadership, showcasing how special teams expertise can impact overall team success.
Strategic evolution
The Saints’ offensive transformation demonstrates the value of adaptive strategy. They’ve maintained their core concepts while adding wrinkles that maximize player strengths. This balanced approach has produced more consistent results than Chicago’s frequent scheme changes.
Building for tomorrow
The Bears must consider these lessons as they plan their future. Whether through Thomas Brown’s development or an external hire, establishing organizational stability and clear identity remains crucial for long-term success.
Former NFL executive Joe Banner concludes, “The Saints are showing there’s no one path to success, but whatever route you choose needs to be backed by organizational stability and clear vision. That’s the real lesson for Chicago.”
