Raiders Close to Agreement with ex-Bears OC Luke Getsy
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to join Antonio Pierce’s staff in the same role. This news comes after Kliff Kingsbury, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, withdrew his name from consideration for the position. The deal between Getsy and the Raiders was initially believed to be finalized on Thursday but was not able to be completed in time for Kingsbury to sign it.
Getsy, 39, interviewed with several teams including the Raiders, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints after being released by the Bears. During his time as offensive coordinator in Chicago, the team ranked second in rushing attempts and rushing yards per game in the NFL. However, Getsy struggled to elevate quarterback Justin Fields’ passing game during his two-year tenure. The Bears ranked just 23rd and 18th in points per game under Getsy’s leadership.
Before coaching in Chicago, Getsy spent five years with the Green Bay Packers as a wide receiver coach, quarterback coach, and passing game coordinator. This experience gives him familiarity with Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams. UCLA coach Chip Kelly was also considered for the offensive coordinator position, but one of the hurdles was his desire to bring many of his college staff members with him.
How Getsy Performed in Chicago
Getsy was fired from his position as Bears offensive coordinator last month after a disappointing two-year stint. The team showed some improvement under his watch, increasing their average points per game from 19.18 in 2022 to 21.18 in 2023. However, this was not enough for him to retain his job. Overall, the Bears averaged just 20.18 points per game during Getsy’s tenure.
One issue with Chicago’s offense under Getsy was its lack of balance. While they excelled in the running game, leading the league in rushing attempts and yards, they struggled in the passing game, ranking last in both passing attempts and yards. This imbalance prevented the offense from reaching its full potential.
There is debate about how much blame Getsy should shoulder for this imbalance. Some argue that he was hindered by Fields’ struggles and the team’s overall lack of offensive talent. Others believe that Getsy failed to adapt his system to his personnel and did not properly develop Fields. With the Raiders, Getsy will need to show that he can help players improve and be more adaptable schematically in order to succeed.
Getsy’s Reputation and the Raiders’ QB Situation
Despite his shortcomings in Chicago, Getsy is still highly regarded across the league. He interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with the Patriots and Saints before being hired by the Raiders. He has worked under head coaches known for their offensive success, such as Joe Moorhead, Mike McCarthy, and Matt LaFleur.
One key question regarding Getsy’s role with the Raiders is how he feels about quarterback Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell finished last season as the team’s starting quarterback and performed decently in 10 starts. Getsy’s evaluation of O’Connell’s fit in his scheme will likely play a role in the team’s decision on whether to bring in competition at the quarterback position.
If the Raiders do decide to add competition, it is unlikely that they would pursue a trade for Fields. While Las Vegas has been rumored as a potential destination for Fields, his previous conflicts with Getsy during their time together in Chicago make a reunion unlikely.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders are close to reaching an agreement with Luke Getsy to become their new offensive coordinator. Getsy’s tenure with the Bears was marked by a strong running game but a lackluster passing attack. His ability to adapt to his personnel and develop quarterbacks will be key to his success with the Raiders. Additionally, his evaluation of Aidan O’Connell will play a role in the team’s decision on their quarterback situation. While there is debate about Getsy’s effectiveness as an offensive coordinator, his reputation around the league and previous experience with successful head coaches make him an intriguing hire for Las Vegas.