Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Chicago Bears BACKUP plan at QB | Coaching Hires | NFL Reply Review

Date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola (312 Sports)

Episode Overview

This episode, recorded during Super Bowl week, sees Dan and Matt taking their signature blend of sharp football analysis and authentic fan emotion to pressing matters in the Bears universe and the wider NFL. The central theme is the Chicago Bears' preparation at quarterback, especially their backup plan, in a season that has seen plenty of drama league-wide. The hosts also dive deep into recent NFL head coaching hires, issues of diversity, the impact of league policies off and on the field, as well as new potential changes to the NFL’s replay and penalty system.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Head Coaching Carousel & Diversity Concerns

(00:54–08:44)

• The hosts open by noting that all 10 NFL head coach job openings for this cycle were filled by white men.
  • Quote [03:05 - B]: “But to have this guy come up and become a head coach because of the ability of his brother to make the seven seed and get in the playoffs and get bounced...I don't get it. That was really a surprise to me.”
• Eric Bieniemy returns to KC as OC; Raheem Morris becomes the Niners’ defensive coordinator; Robert Saleh, a minority coach (but not Black), takes the Titans' job.
• Discussion of the continued double-standard in coaching opportunities and accountability, referencing Troy Vincent and Brian Flores’ lawsuits.
  • Quote [06:17 - C]: "Why does one get, say, the benefit of the doubt to be able to build or take bumps and bruises...Others are not afforded that latitude."

2. NFL’s Accountability, the Flores Lawsuit, & the “Accelerator Program”

(05:48–07:27)

• The NFL’s own stated priority on diversity is under scrutiny due to the lack of progress.
• The league’s “accelerator program” is highlighted as an initiative to expand hiring pools.
• Hosts question whether the league will maintain its stated commitment, especially amid changing national sentiments.

3. Bears’ Offensive Staff Changes & Baltimore’s Declan Doyle OC Hire

(07:27–10:43)

• Baltimore hires Declan Doyle as OC—a surprise but testament to his preparation.
• Joel Lombardi, recently let go in Denver, is suggested as a prominent candidate for a role on the Bears’ staff.
  • Quote [08:44 - C]: “I give the Bears credit...that even though it is a nominal position, that you're not really coordinating the offense as long as that head coach is there, that they did allow the coordinator to be there on coordinator day.”
• The potential roles of new staff hires, such as Will Long from Boston College, are discussed.

4. NFL Owner Scandals & The Conduct Policy Double Standard

(10:43–11:55)

• Discussion about Steve Tisch (Giants owner) and his alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
• Calls for immediate investigation and consistency in punishments between owners and players.
  • Quote [10:43 - C]: “There should be a concurrent suspension just like you would a player…they have an obligation to treat it similarly…”

5. All Coach Hires Before Super Bowl: Staff Assembly Issues

(11:55–13:24)

• Dan and Matt note it’s unusual all 10 head coach jobs are filled before the Super Bowl—without consideration for assistants on Super Bowl teams.
• The timing can leave late-hired coaches scrambling for top assistants, referencing Jonathan Gannon and even Bears history with Dick Jauron.

6. Counting Down CBS’s “Top 25 Storylines of 2025”

(15:29–23:05)

• Matt shares and reacts to CBS Sports’ top 10 storylines, including:
  • John Harbaugh’s firing after Ravens/Steelers drama.
  • Philip Rivers returning to the NFL after Daniel Jones’ injury.
  • Micah Parsons and Patrick Mahomes both suffering ACL injuries on the same day.
  • Shadur Sanders’ up-and-down rookie campaign with the Browns.
  • The Bears’ resurgence under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams—rated league’s #4 story.
    • Quote [19:04 - B]: “Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams lead Bears in thrilling campaign…The NFL Bears don't suck. Look at this.”
  • The top story: Cowboys trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay—underwhelming, according to both hosts.
• Lighthearted speculation about the role of Bad Bunny in sports stories.

7. Work/Life Balance for NFL Staff

(19:40–20:59)

• Noting whispers that a GM’s paternity leave was supposedly held against him; insights on the macho culture still lingering in the league.

8. Grammys Tangent: The Role of Music in Sports Viewing Habits

(23:17–28:22)

• Memorable segment: The hosts riff on the Grammys, music preferences, and the need for better artist identifiers during televised events.
  • Quote [27:41–C]: “If you told me that the Grammys are on and everyone’s song is going to be performed by Bruno Mars... I’m good with it 100%.”

9. Backup Quarterbacks: Bears’ Sensible Approach vs. League-Wide Panic

(28:22–34:53)

• Discussion returns to CBS’s mention of Philip Rivers’ comeback, launching a broader point about NFL teams scrambling for QB depth.
• The Bears’ situation: Confidence that if something happened to Caleb Williams, the team wouldn’t make a panic move.
  • Quote [29:43 - B]: “If the Bears were in a situation where Caleb Williams got hurt, they're not pulling a guy off the couch...They have...Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum.”
  • Quote [29:58 - C]: “As much as we make fun of the Tyson Bagent fans...the fact is I think having Tyson Bagent as a backup quarterback who you know you can trust...to get you through a two game stretch, a three game stretch...I'm fine with that.”
• The hosts give credit to Ben Johnson’s staff for having QB depth and preparation, not “pulling a Cutler out of retirement.”

10. Changing the NFL Replay Review for Player Safety Penalties

(35:31–41:54)

• NFL is considering allowing replay review to add flags for missed player safety infractions (face mask, roughing the passer, helmet hits, hip-drop tackles).
  • Quote [35:31 - B]: “What’s the downside? Why not do that? I hate when they miss face masks and they miss them too many times.”
• Comparison to the NBA’s review system: embrace transparency, get the calls right, especially in the wagering era.
  • Quote [36:32 - C]: “If you look at the final two minute reports in the end game reports that the NBA does in the interest of transparency…with legalized wagering. You've got to be transparent. You’ve got to get it right.”
• Noted fines for infractions missed in-game, underscoring the need for in-game consistency.

11. Should Replay Expand to All Penalties?

(39:42–41:54)

• Some debate on whether replay should cover all penalties; both mostly agree safety penalties are a good start, but ultimate fairness would mean never ignoring clear infractions even outside that scope.
• Aim: “Just get it right.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:05 | Matt | “But to have this guy come up and become a head coach because of the ability of his brother… I don't get it.” | | 06:17 | Dan | “Why does one get the benefit of the doubt...Others are not afforded that latitude.” | | 10:43 | Dan | “There should be a concurrent suspension just like you would a player…they have an obligation to treat it similarly…” | | 19:04 | Matt | "Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams lead Bears in thrilling campaign…The NFL Bears don't suck. Look at this." | | 27:41 | Dan | “If you told me that the Grammys are on and everyone’s song is going to be performed by Bruno Mars... I’m good with it 100%.” | | 29:43 | Matt | “If the Bears were in a situation where Caleb Williams got hurt, they're not pulling a guy off the couch…They have...Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum.” | | 36:32 | Dan | “If you look at the final two minute reports in the end game reports that the NBA does in the interest of transparency...You've got to be transparent. You’ve got to get it right.” |

Key Timestamps

• [00:54–08:44] NFL Head Coaching hires & diversity issues
• [10:43–11:55] NFL owner scandals & personal conduct policy
• [15:29–23:05] CBS Top 10 Storylines & Bears among league’s biggest surprises
• [28:22–34:53] Backup QBs: Bears’ stability vs. league-wide chaos
• [35:31–41:54] NFL Replay Rule Proposal—expanding to player safety penalties

Tone & Style

The conversation is lively, candid, and mixes deep analysis with witty banter. Dan and Matt don’t shy away from candid institutional criticism—especially regarding diversity and accountability—but swing back to relatable Bears fan optimism, musical asides, and broader sports culture moments.

Utility for Bears Fans & General NFL Audience

• Deep dive on Bears coaching and roster strategy, especially backup QB concerns
• Sharp critique of NFL hiring, ownership, and process flaws
• Previews of impending changes to the rules that could affect any team’s fortunes
• Pops of pop-culture and everyday fandom that give the episode extra flavor

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For: Forward Progress - 312 Sports
Episode Air Date: February 2, 2026