Bill Lazor Is A Veteran Play-Caller Capable Of Taking Over For Matt Nagy

The Chicago Bears and head coach Matt Nagy are facing harsh criticism following their 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night. Chicago’s offense failed to score a touchdown as the offense as a whole struggled to move the ball at all against the Rams. The stagnant offense has led many to believe that Nagy should hand over play-calling duties to someone else. One viable option could be offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

The NFL's bottom of the barrel in yards per play:

30. Bears – 4.8 ypp
31. Washington – 4.6 ypp
32. Jets – 4.3 ypp

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) October 27, 2020

Chicago hired Lazor as offensive coordinator in January following the team’s removal of Mark Helfrich from the position at the end of last season. Chicago’s current offensive coordinator has a long history as an offensive play-caller as he has been the offensive coordinator for two different teams since 2014. Lazor’s first time serving as an offensive coordinator came in 2014 with Miami Dolphins, where he served in the role for two seasons.

In 2014, The Dolphins offense ranked 11th in the league as quarterback Ryan Tannehill passed for 27 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. The offense as a whole scored 42 touchdowns while running back Lamar Miller rushed for over 1,000 yards and recorded 38 receptions. Although the offense regressed in 2015, Tannehill still passed for 24 touchdowns while wide receiver Jarvis Landry eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving and made the Pro Bowl.

Remember, Lamar Miller has played with Bill Lazor and Charles London, so they'll know when he's ready. From what I understand, he's getting closer to being able to play.

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 27, 2020

Lazor was let go following the 2015 season when the Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin after a 6-10 finish. He would become the Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator in 2016 as quarterback Andy Dalton would be named to the Pro Bowl the same year. Although the offense ranked 24th in the league, the Bengals offense ranked in the top half in both passing yards and rushing yards. Dalton passed for over 4,000 yards while two Bengal receivers recorded over 850 receiving yards.

Not even Tom Brady had a higher passer rating than @Bengals QB Andy Dalton on post routes in 2016. pic.twitter.com/IFigWr00y9

— PFF (@PFF) June 6, 2017

Chicago’s current offensive coordinator has a history with the team’s current starting quarterback in Nick Foles. Foles’ best season came back in 2013 when he passed for 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He was named to the Pro-Bowl and averaged almost 10 yards per pass. Lazor served as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach that season which led to him getting the offensive coordinator’s job in Miami.

Lazor’s credentials are significant given the current state of the Chicago Bears’ offense. In the four starts with Nick Foles, the offense has scored 11 points or less in two games. With Nagy calling plays, the offense has gotten steadily worse as the season has gone on. The Bears currently rank as the third worse offense in the league right now with only both New York teams behind them.

Through Week 7, the Bears rank 29th in total offense.

The only teams below them in yards per game are the Football Team, the Jets and the Giants.

— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) October 27, 2020

Nagy has recently stated that although he is open to giving up play-calling duties that he will not at the moment. That could change in the next few weeks if Chicago’s offense continues to struggle. The Bears still have a great chance of making the playoffs because of the dominant defense, but the offense needs to improve soon. If a change does occur regarding play-calling on offense, Lazor is more than capable of taking over.