Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What exactly will Declan Doyle's job be? Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss new Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. As a non-play-calling offensive coordinator, what exactly will he be doing here?

What's Dennis Allen's vision for the Bears defense? Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss what they heard from new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in his first media session in Chicago. What does he think of the Bears' current talent on that side of the ball?

[FULL EPISODE] Dennis Allen & Declan Doyle speak for the first time as Bears coordinators Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

The Bears introduced new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle on Thursday. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote offer their thoughts on what each one had to say in their first media sessions in Chicago. Allen brings a ton of defensive play-calling experience along with some head coaching experience. Doyle, meanwhile, is just 28 years old and is new to a coordinator role. Considering we know Bears head coach Ben Johnson will be calling the plays on offense, what exactly will Doyle's role be? Also in this episode, Wiederer and Grote hear from special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, who has been retained on staff. How do we feel about him returning?

Ben Johnson's agent was impressed with the Bears hiring process Jan 28, 2025

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Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear what new Bears head coach Ben Johnson's agent, Rick Smith, had to say on a recent podcast about the organization's process leading up to its hiring of Johnson.

Ben Johnson is filling out his coaching staff Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the Bears' additions to their coaching staff. New head coach Ben Johnson's defensive coordinator is extremely experienced, while his offensive coordinator isn't even 30 years old yet!

Patrick Mahomes just keeps building his legacy Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the AFC and NFC Championship games. Each year, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes keeps showcasing why he's an all-time great.

[FULL EPISODE] Ben Johnson's agent opens up about Bears' interview process Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

As new Bears head coach Ben Johnson fills out his staff, his agent is taking us inside the team's interview process. In this episode, Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear from Rick Smith, who started representing Johnson last season. Smith spoke on a recent podcast about how impressed he was with the Bears as they went through their coaching search. Meanwhile, the Bears are planning to hire former Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator. What do we think about that move and the other reported coaching hires? Also, Wiederer and Grote offer their thoughts on the NFC Championship and AFC Championship games.

How much is Caleb Williams vibing with his new coach already? Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the relationship between new Bears head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. How much have the pair already spoken about what needs to be done to get the most out of Williams?

Kevin Warren played a key role in guiding the Bears to Ben Johnson Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how important Bears team president Kevin Warren was in providing the proper environment for the team to get its top coaching candidate.

What makes Ben Johnson confident he can be a head coach? Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss how confident new Bears head coach Ben Johnson is that he can be a successful head coach. What gives Johnson that confidence?