One thing has become clear about the Chicago Bears‘ 2024 draft class. First is that it is really talented. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze have lived up to their billing as young players with immense potential. Both have showcased flashes of future brilliance. The other part is they both have highly opinionated father figures. People talk about Carl Williams and his strong influence over the direction of his son’s career. Not enough people have mentioned James Odunze, who has been plenty vocal defending his son this year already.
He called out ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky in September for criticizing Rome’s inability to create separation as a receiver. Since then, he has stayed out of the spotlight, but that changed to a degree after the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus. Arguments broke out on Twitter (X) about who the eventual replacement should be. Many believe former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel should be considered, given his success there. That is the worst idea imaginable based on Mr. Odunze’s recent retweets.
With all due respect to Coach Vrabel and other defensive-minded names, they are unlikely to do that. At least in his mind. An offensive coach would ensure the team is run through the quarterback, and the quarterback excelling means Rome Odunze gets more targets. More targets mean more catches. You see where this is going. Mr. Odunze wants his son to have the best opportunity to thrive. That can’t happen with another conservative, defensive-oriented coach. It appears the Bears brass agree with him for what it’s worth. Every sign to this point says they are focused on landing the best offensive-minded coach they can. Vrabel and other top defensive guys will still get looks in the interest of due diligence, but everything this off-season will be geared around Williams.
