In a major move for the Chicago Bears, Dan Roushar has been appointed as the new offensive line coach, bringing a wealth of experience to a team looking to improve its struggling offensive front. The announcement of his hiring comes after the Bears' ongoing efforts to strengthen their offensive line, which has faced significant challenges in recent seasons. With the Bears under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson, Roushar's extensive background in coaching offensive linemen will play a crucial role in improving the unit’s performance.
Dan Roushar to join Chicago Bears
Roushar’s career began in the college ranks and evolved with a notable stint in the NFL. His most recent role was at Tulane University, where he coached the Green Wave's offensive line for two years. Under his guidance, Tulane’s rushing attack performed impressively, ranking 26th nationally in rushing yards per game. Prior to his time in college football, Roushar made a significant impact with the New Orleans Saints from 2013 to 2022. His time with the Saints saw him serve in multiple roles, but it was as the offensive line coach that he made his most substantial contributions. Roushar worked with some of the NFL's top linemen, including Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Ryan Ramczyk, and Max Unger, who earned Pro Bowl honors under his tutelage.
Despite some struggles as the run game coordinator with the Saints, where the team’s rushing attack ranked lower than expected, Roushar’s expertise in line play remained unquestioned. Now, with the Bears, he is tasked with revitalizing a unit that allowed a league-high 68 sacks during the previous season. With several key injuries and frequent lineup changes, the offensive line’s development was stunted, but Roushar’s arrival is expected to bring stability and growth to the position.
Under Roushar’s leadership, the Bears will look to turn around their fortunes and better protect quarterback Justin Fields while also establishing a more effective running game. With Roushar's proven track record of developing offensive linemen, the Bears are hopeful that his expertise will provide the spark they need to improve their offensive line play in 2024 and beyond.
As Roushar joins the Bears, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how his impact influences the team's overall offensive performance, and whether he can recreate the success he enjoyed with the Saints, ultimately contributing to the Bears' long-term growth.