The Chicago Bears have hired Chris Beatty as their wide receivers coach, and his former players have nothing but praise for him. Beatty has a reputation for being detailed and getting the best out of his players. DJ Moore, who Beatty coached to Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year honors at Maryland, describes him as a great man and a coach who knows how to get after it. Moore also mentions Beatty’s success with receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.
When the Bears traded for Allen, he was relieved to know that Beatty would be his receivers coach. Allen appreciates the understanding and familiarity they have with each other, as Beatty knows how he practices and pushes him when necessary. Beatty’s experience coaching talented receivers like Allen and Williams has made an impact on the Bears’ receiving room.
Beatty’s coaching career started at Salem High School in Virginia, where he faced skepticism for his pass-heavy approach to the game. However, his success at the high school level caught the attention of Joe Taylor, the head coach at Hampton, who hired Beatty as his offensive coordinator. Taylor recognized Beatty’s talent and confidence and was impressed with his ability to win championships year after year.
Beatty’s success continued at Hampton, where he led the team to a conference title and had the seventh-best scoring offense in the FCS. Taylor was especially impressed with Beatty’s ability to adapt to an offense that relied heavily on passing, a departure from the traditional run-heavy approach.
Throughout his coaching career, Beatty has had to change jobs frequently, which can be challenging for his family. However, these moves have also allowed him to build connections with coaches like Brandon Staley, who hired Beatty as the Chargers’ wide receivers coach. Beatty’s attention to detail and focus on building relationships with his players have made a lasting impact on them.
Players like Moore and DeAndre Carter credit Beatty for their success on the field. Moore recalls Beatty telling him he was ready for the NFL, despite receiving a “go-back-to-school” grade. Six years later, Moore signed a $110 million contract extension with the Bears. Carter, who had struggled to find success with other teams, had a breakout season under Beatty’s coaching.
Beatty’s demeanor and patience are qualities that Taylor appreciates, as they resonate with his players. Taylor believes that Beatty’s calm approach is well-suited for coaching offense, which requires strategic thinking and staying ahead of the game. Beatty’s goal is to continue learning and growing as a coach, with aspirations of calling plays at the highest level.
Overall, Beatty’s ability to recognize and improve talent, along with his focus on building relationships, has made him a respected and successful wide receivers coach. His impact on players like Moore and Carter is evident, and the Bears are excited to have him leading their talented group of receivers.