OFFENSIVE ASSISTANTS
Dave Ragone
Quarterbacks coach Age: 38
Resume: Bears QBs coach, 2016-present; Redskins offensive quality control coach, 2015; Titans QBs coach, 2013; Titans WRs coach, 2011-12.
Why he’s back
Because Ragone developed a strong rapport with quarterback Mitch Trubisky last season, the former Louisville quarterback was the only offensive coach kept by coach Matt Nagy in January.
“I think he knows me pretty much better than anyone in this building just because we’ve spent so much time together in the classroom last year,” Trubisky said.
Ragone can refer to Trubisky’s experience as a rookie in a way the other coaches can’t.
“It’s his huddle now,” Ragone said. “At this time last year I think he was running with the threes, and now he’s undoubtedly the starter. He takes that very seriously.”
Charles London
Running backs coach Age: 43
Resume: Texans RBs coach, 2014-17; Penn State RBs coach, 2012-13; Titans offensive quality control assistant, 2011; Bears offensive quality control assistant, 2007-09; Duke RBs coach, 2006.
Why he’s here
Texans coach Bill O’Brien, London’s boss since their Penn State days, thinks London pursued a new employer after last season because he wanted a fresh start.
“He and I had been together for a long time,” O’Brien said. “I have a great deal of respect for Charles. Smart guy, hard worker, communicator. A guy that really puts the time in, wants to learn, wants to be kind of like a sponge that learns a new system.”
London drew a good hand, inheriting dominant traditional back in Jordan Howard — with whom he has worked on pass catching — and a modern pass-catching chess piece in Tarik Cohen.
“He’s a very versatile player,” London said. “And we’re going to put him in as many spots as we can.”
Kevin M. Gilbride
Tight ends coach Age: 38
Resume: Giants TE coach, 2014-17; Giants WRs coach, 2012-13; Giants offensive quality control coach, 2010-11; Temple WRs coach, 2008-09.
Why he’s here
Gilbride has a famous name — his father, the former Chargers head coach, was the Giants’ coordinator from 2007-13. But he’s also coming off a season in which Giants rookie Evan Engram finished sixth among NFL tight ends with 64 catches and fifth with 722 yards.
He’ll be asked to develop last year’s second-round pick, Adam Shaheen, who had only 12 catches last year.
“That’s another big, big man who can move,” Gilbride said.” So it’s been impressive to see, with very solid hands and a huge target. So yes, I think he could develop into that down-the-field, passcatching tight end as well to go along with the rest of his game.’’
Mike Furrey
Wide receivers coach Age: 41
Resume: Limestone (Div. II) head coach, 2016-17; Marshall WRs coach, 2013-15; Kentucky Christian (NAIA) head coach, 2011-12.
Why he’s here
He’s Nagy’s oldest friend among the position coaches. Before starting a seven-year NFL career as a wide receiver for the Rams, Lions and Browns, Furrey was Nagy’s roommate when they played for the Arena League’s New York Dragons in 2002.
In his first season as an NFL coach, Furrey will be tasked with assembling a receiver room with freeagent signees Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, rookie Anthony Miller and oft-injured returning player Kevin White.
“I love a young, energetic coach,” Miller said. “He took me in well before I even got here. He sent me the plays. We were calling each other each and every day.”
Harry Hiestand
Offensive line coach Age: 59
Resume: Notre Dame OL coach, 2012-17; Tennessee OL coach, 2010-11; Bears OL coach, 2005-09; Illinois OL coach, 1997-2004; Missouri OL coach, 1994-96; Cincinnati offensive coordinator/OL coach, 1989-93; Toledo OL coach, 1988-89; USC graduate assistant, 1987-88; Penn TE coach, 1986-87; East Stroudsburg OL coach, 1983-85.
Why he’s here
One of the most-respected offensive line coaches at any level, Hiestand, who coached two Irish linemen who were drafted in the top nine this year, could have gone anywhere. He chose a familiar place — he coached five seasons at Halas Hall last decade — that he called “the greatest organization” in the NFL. He’ll have four returning starters and a secondround pick, James Daniels, to work with.
“The Chicago Bears — that’s an awesome place, a great franchise,” he said. “I always wanted to go back [to the NFL]. I’m very fortunate I just happen to be back at the same place I was before. Historically, this is where it all began.”