Bears on short list of teams with an extremely rare opportunity this offseason
The Chicago Bears could have an extremely rare opportunity come knocking later this offseason. The Bears are one of four teams eligible to land HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series during training camp. Chicago joins the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders on the short list of teams being considered. Bears owner George McCaskey […]
The Chicago Bears could have an extremely rare opportunity come knocking later this offseason.
The Bears are one of four teams eligible to land HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series during training camp. Chicago joins the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders on the short list of teams being considered.
Bears owner George McCaskey isn’t exactly fond of the idea and attention that Hard Knocks would bring.
"We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on 'Hard Knocks,' " McCaskey told reporters at the owners meetings in Arizona.
When asked which teams he believes Hard Knocks should consider, McCaskey bluntly responded, “31 others.”
There are three requirements for teams to be considered for the show:
- Team hasn’t appeared in playoffs the past two seasons.
- Team does not have a first-year head coach.
- Team hasn’t appeared on the program in the last decade.
If the Hard Knocks cameras do wind up at the Bears’ facilities, it would be a fantastic opportunity for head coach Matt Eberflus to showcase the new culture he is working to instill in Chicago.
The show certainly brings unnecessary attention in a critically important time of the offseason, but there are potential long-term benefits. If done properly, Hard Knocks could be used as a recruiting tool. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell capitalized on the opportunity last offseason, which has certainly yielded positive results in free agency just one year later.
With so many new faces joining the Bears this offseason, Hard Knocks would help familiarize the fanbase with the newcomers. Realistically the Bears aren’t ready to make any noise in the postseason just yet, so the show wouldn’t disrupt a season with high expectations.
