The mindset of any NFL team is to quickly move past disruptions — and the schedule demands it — but the Bears’ firing of running backs coach David Walker has disrupted their preparation for their game against the Saints on Sunday.
“It’s gonna affect us in some form, but we’ve got to learn to adapt to the change,” rookie running back Roschon Johnson said after practice Thursday. “It’s unfortunate, but in this business, it’s next man up. That’s for me, that’s for coaches, that’s for anybody.
“I’m praying for Coach Walker with everything that transpired, but ultimately we’ve got to prepare for this next game.”
The Bears dismissed Walker on Wednesday morning because of misconduct, with general manager Ryan Poles commenting, “If you don’t meet expectations of how you move around this building and how you treat people, how you talk to people, how you act, you don’t belong here.”
A source told the Sun-Times that Walker had been warned about the inappropriate behavior, which has not been specified, and repeated it. He’s the second coach to leave over a violation of human resources policies, following defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ mysterious resignation six weeks ago.
Johnson and fellow running back D’Onta Foreman said they were unaware of Walker’s misdeeds — “It’s really none of my business or concern at this moment,” Johnson said — and were surprised when coach Matt Eberflus said Walker had been fired. Top running back Khalil Herbert is on injured reserve and didn’t speak with reporters.
Omar Young, who had been the assistant quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, has stepped in to replace Walker.
“It’s definitely going to be an adjustment having another person in there and trying to get a feel for the way he goes about and does things, but we’re all pros,” Foreman said. “It’s definitely a surprise, but all blessings to [Walker] and his family. We’ve just got to stay focused on what we’ve got in front of us.”
Foreman added it was “tough” to learn the man who had been coaching him since March was allegedly acting inappropriately. It hurt Johnson, too, because Walker had been instrumental in his quick climb from fourth-round draft pick to No. 2 running back.
“He’s a big reason why I’m even here,” Johnson said. “Much respect to him and much love for him for believing in me and helping me develop as a professional.”
Now, in addition to working on the game plan against the Saints, the running backs are helping Young get caught up.
“Omar predominantly worked with the receivers, but he knows what everybody’s supposed to do,” Johnson said. “He’s very involved when it comes to the installs. We have a lot of trust in Omar. He knows the system like the back of his hand.”
The instability comes at a time when the Bears can ill afford it, not that there’s ever good timing for an episode like this. They were fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (999) and fifth in yards per carry (4.8) through Week 7 but managed just 73 yards (2.9 per rush) in their 30-13 loss to the Chargers.
Young must help reignite the ground game to give the Bears a chance against the Saints, who are second in opponent passer rating (73.2) and seventh in passing yards allowed (189.5) but near the middle in most run-defense categories.
“That’s a big focal point of our game and what helps us go,” Foreman said. “When we can be balanced and we can spread the ball around, that’s when we’re most effective.”
