NFC Notes: Bears, Packers, Rams, Seahawks

Bears

• Alex Marvez reports that the Bears are hiring former Texans RBs coach Charles London to the same position in Chicago.
• Mike Jurecki reports that the Bears would like to talk to Cardinals DC James Bettcher about a possible role in Chicago
• The Bears have hired Harry Hiestand as their new offensive line coach. (Adam L. Jahns)

Packers

• Packers’ assistant coach Joe Whitt Jr. is gaining an “elevated role” as defensive passing game coordinator. (Tom Silverstein)

Rams

• Rams GM Les Snead said he can “definitely” see the team re-signing CB Trumaine Johnson. (Alden Gonzalez)
• Gonzalez is even more convinced that the team will bring back Johnson since CB Kayvon Webster is recovering from a torn Achilles and there is a lack of depth behind them.
• In the end, Gonzalez writes that the Rams will have to pay Johnson like a “top corner.”
• Gonzalez expects S Lamarcus Joyner to get a contract extension this offseason, while WR Sammy Watkins could be in line to receive the franchise tag.
• Gonzalez mentions that if the Rams bring back Johnson, Joyner and Watkins, and extend DT Aaron Donald, they’ll have to consider releasing OLB Robert Quinn and ILB Mark Barron, as either move would provide “significant cap savings.“
• We have some of these players featured in our Top 100  – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Seahawks

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times takes a look at five potential offensive coordinator candidates for the Seahawks, including Eagles QBs coach John DeFilippo, Toronto Argonauts HC Marc Trestman, former Panthers OC Mike Shula, former Broncos OC Mike McCoy, and former Texans and Broncos HC Gary Kubiak.

• Condotta calls DeFilippo a “rising star” in the NFL after helping groom Eagles QB Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate, while also coaching Raiders QB Derek Carr in 2014 when he earned rookie of the year honors.
• As for Trestman, he led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup title in the CFL and is the former head coach of the Bears in 2012-2014, and has 14 years of experience as an offensive coordinator with the Ravens, Raiders, Browns, 49ers, and Cardinals.
• Condotta also mentions that Trestman is connected to Seahawks HC Pete Carroll, since both were assistants for the Vikings back in 1985-1986, while both were coordinators for the 49ers in 1995 and 1996.
• Although Shula has no ties to the Seahawks, Condotta believes his experience coaching Cam Newton, a mobile quarterback, could make him an easy transition with Russell Wilson.
• Condotta also writes that McCoy‘s experience of coaching a variety of styles at quarterback could make him an intriguing candidate.
• Regarding Kubiak, the former coach led the Broncos to Super Bowl 50 win before later retiring due to health concerns. Condotta points out that a report from November that indicated that Kubiak could consider returning to coaching “if the right opportunity arose.”