Declan Doyle, the Chicago Bears‘ newly appointed offensive coordinator, is set to become one of the youngest individuals in NFL history to hold this position. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2018, Doyle, at just 28 years old, has only spent two seasons as a full-time coach in the NFL, both with the Denver Broncos.
However, if you’re skeptical about his rise, there’s some history worth noting. His father, Chris Doyle, was the former strength and conditioning coach at Iowa, but was dismissed in 2020 after accusations from Black players who described being “disparaged, demeaned, and bullied” under his leadership. Chris Doyle was named in a racial discrimination lawsuit that resulted in a $4.175 million settlement for former Iowa football players.
Although the lawsuit was settled with Iowa University and its Board of Regents as the sole defendants, Chris Doyle’s actions have left a lasting stain on his legacy. His previous attempt to land another job in coaching ended quickly when backlash forced him to resign from a position with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021.
Despite the controversy surrounding his family name, the hiring of Declan Doyle highlights how a prominent surname in coaching can open doors, even in the shadow of past scandals.
