A vote of confidence
High school coach says QB Trubisky will ‘be fine’ in 2020
ORLANDO, Fla. — A year after Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky made his Pro Bowl debut, he was nowhere to be found at the festivities.
His high school coach, however, isn’t concerned.
‘‘I think he’ll be fine,’’ said Steve Trivisonno, standing on the last row of bleachers while watching the AFC team practice Saturday. ‘‘He’s talented . . . . You saw at the end of the year where he was and where he’s going to be.
‘‘I think [the Bears] will be in good shape next year and get things going.’’
Trivisonno retired after 23 years and 209 victories as the coach at Mentor (Ohio) High School this offseason. The Browns named him their NFL High School Coach of the Year nominee, which earned him a trip to Pro Bowl events.
Trivisonno speculated that Trubisky’s injured left shoulder — he suffered a dislocation and a torn labrum when he was sacked by the Vikings in Week 4 — contributed to fewer runs this season, making him less effective.
‘‘I think that shoulder probably hurt him a little bit,’’ Trivisonno said. ‘‘He won’t tell me about it, but I think it pulled away from his ability to run around a little bit.’’
He said he checked in with Trubisky throughout the season, but not as any orchestrated plan to boost his confidence.
‘‘We’ll text, just making sure he’s OK, and that’s it,’’ Trivisonno said. ‘‘What am I going to tell him, other than, ‘We’re behind you and keep doing it’?’’
Trubisky made the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement last year and was one of seven Bears to play in the game. But rather than make the leap the Bears had hoped for this season, Trubisky regressed. His 83.0 passer rating ranked 28th in the league.
By contrast, three future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks were voted onto the NFC Pro Bowl team: the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, the Saints’ Drew Brees and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins replaced Rodgers, who elected to stay home.
The Bears will spend the offseason trying to find veteran competition for Trubisky, if not someone who can threaten his starting job.
Trivisonno, however, is confident in his former pupil.
‘‘It’s very important to him,’’ said Trivisonno, who plans to use his newfound free time to travel to more of Trubisky’s games. ‘‘He’s very focused and locked in, and he’ll represent the Bears real well next year. He’ll be fine.’’