C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans’ Swift Ascent: A Huge Lesson for the Chicago Bears’ Franchise…

The Chicago Bears can learn about turning a franchise’s fortunes from the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans’ recent success provides the Chicago Bears with valuable lessons on turning around a franchise quickly. As the Bears embark on a journey to revamp their coaching staff under the leadership of Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles, it’s crucial to look at the Texans, who went from being the worst in the NFL in 2022 to winning their division and securing a playoff spot.

Both the Bears and the Texans finished the 2022 season with a dismal 3-14 record. However, while the Bears are in the process of overhauling their coaching staff and seeking improvements, the Texans have already clinched a playoff spot as the AFC South winners. The divergence in their fortunes highlights the rapid transformations possible in the NFL.

The Bears are actively interviewing candidates for their offensive coordinator position, with names like Shane Waldron, Greg Olson, Klint Kubiak, and Liam Coen in the mix. In contrast, the Texans, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, are preparing for a playoff game after a convincing wild-card win against the Cleveland Browns.

Slowik’s journey is emblematic of the swift changes that can occur in the NFL. From a defensive assistant in Washington in 2011, an analyst for Pro Football Focus, and various roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Slowik has risen to become a sought-after head coaching candidate at just 36 years old. This ascent is largely attributed to the success of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is poised to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The Texans’ success is not solely due to a new coaching staff and a promising quarterback. They strategically traded up in the draft to secure edge rusher Will Anderson and made targeted additions in free agency, such as wide receiver Robert Woods, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, and tight end Dalton Schultz. In contrast, the Bears made significant moves in free agency but focused on different players.

Ryan Poles defends the decision to stick with Justin Fields over drafting C.J. Stroud, pointing to the assets acquired in the trade with the Carolina Panthers. The Bears’ current roster, with key players like DJ Moore, Darnell Wright, and Tyrique Stevenson, is seen as a stronger supporting cast for Fields than what Stroud had in Houston.

While Stroud’s success showcases the impact a talented quarterback can have, the Bears are in a favorable position with a better roster than the previous year. Poles emphasizes that the Bears’ roster is built on a solid foundation, not a fragile structure, and is optimistic about the team’s future.

Looking ahead, the Bears have exciting options with the first and ninth picks in the draft, along with a highly regarded class of quarterbacks available. The focus remains on finding the right quarterback, echoing the sentiment expressed by former Bears GM Jerry Angelo over a decade ago — success in the NFL often hinges on the quarterback position.

Poles and the Bears envision a bright future, built on continuity with their roster. The hope is to have a fast-tracked offensive coordinator and their franchise quarterback in place, mirroring the Texans’ successful formula. As the Bears navigate the upcoming draft and coaching hires, the lessons from the Texans’ turnaround serve as a blueprint for achieving success in a short period.