Sean Payton’s coaching tree and the new Chicago Bears hire are connected to Tulane football.
In the world of professional football, the journey to a coaching position is rarely linear. For many aspiring coaches, learning from the best and working under established names in the industry provides invaluable experience that can shape their future careers. One of the most prominent coaching trees in recent NFL history is that of Sean Payton, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, whose influence continues to ripple through the NFL. Notably, a connection to Tulane University football has emerged as a key factor in the latest Chicago Bears hire—a move that signifies not only a strategic coaching decision but also a deeper connection to the Payton coaching tree.
In this piece, we’ll explore the relationship between Sean Payton’s coaching tree and the recent hire by the Chicago Bears. The connection to Tulane football, in particular, will be examined as we unpack how this hire reflects both the Bears’ vision for their future and the lasting impact of Payton’s coaching philosophy on the league.
The Influence of Sean Payton’s Coaching Tree
Sean Payton, who led the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons from 2006 to 2021, is regarded as one of the most successful and innovative head coaches in modern NFL history. During his tenure, Payton revolutionized the offensive game, building one of the most potent offenses in league history while maintaining a strong culture of discipline and accountability. His ability to adapt to different quarterbacks, schemes, and challenges allowed him to consistently win and contend in the NFC.
A major component of Payton’s success has been his ability to mentor and develop future coaching talent. His coaching tree is widely respected for producing several successful NFL coaches, with many of his former assistants going on to head coaching positions or significant roles in the league. Some notable figures in Payton’s coaching tree include:
- Pete Carmichael Jr. – A longtime assistant with the Saints, Carmichael has served as the offensive coordinator since 2009, working closely with Payton to build the Saints’ high-powered offense.
- Dennis Allen – A former Saints defensive coordinator, Allen became the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders before returning to New Orleans to rebuild the Saints’ defense. Allen’s success as a coordinator has placed him at the forefront of defensive coaching.
- Dan Campbell – The head coach of the Detroit Lions, Campbell was Payton’s assistant head coach and tight ends coach with the Saints. Known for his fiery personality and leadership, Campbell is building a culture in Detroit similar to what he learned in New Orleans.
- Joe Lombardi – Lombardi served as the Saints’ quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator before taking on a role as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, shaping the development of quarterback Justin Herbert.
The continued success of Payton’s coaching tree is a testament to his mentorship and development of coaching talent. Coaches from Payton’s system bring with them his innovative offensive principles, attention to detail, and leadership qualities, making them highly sought after for various NFL roles.
The Chicago Bears and the Tulane Connection
The Chicago Bears, who are in the process of rebuilding their roster and establishing a competitive culture, have always sought to hire coaches who can lead their franchise to sustained success. Under the leadership of General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears are building a team with a focus on developing talent, particularly with young quarterback Justin Fields. To complement their young offensive pieces, the Bears have made key hires on both sides of the ball, and their most recent hire reflects an interesting connection to both Sean Payton’s coaching tree and Tulane University football.
The hire in question is Dan Roushar, a former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Tulane who is now joining the Bears’ coaching staff. Roushar’s appointment is part of a larger trend in the NFL where coaching trees from successful franchises are becoming more prevalent. Roushar’s connection to both Payton and Tulane football is noteworthy, as it brings a blend of experience, innovation, and familiarity with the offensive systems Payton has built throughout his career.
Dan Roushar’s Journey Through Tulane and the Payton Coaching Tree
Dan Roushar’s coaching career spans decades, but his connection to Tulane football is where the story becomes most relevant to the Bears’ new hire. Roushar joined Tulane University in 2016 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he played a key role in transforming the Green Wave offense into a more dynamic and productive unit. Tulane, located in New Orleans, is in close proximity to the New Orleans Saints’ headquarters, and Roushar became familiar with Payton’s methods while working in the same football ecosystem.
As an offensive coordinator at Tulane, Roushar worked closely with head coach Willie Fritz to develop an offense that could compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). He helped Tulane’s offense make significant strides, both in the passing and running games, and the team saw improved results under his guidance. This success led to greater recognition for Roushar, as he was seen as someone who could help develop quarterbacks and offensive talent.
During his time at Tulane, Roushar was introduced to Payton’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on balanced offensive play, developing a strong running game, and leveraging the quarterback’s strengths to execute an efficient passing attack. While Roushar was not directly coaching with the Saints, the shared football environment in New Orleans allowed him to be influenced by Payton’s success and gain insights into how to build a successful offensive scheme.
Roushar’s Transition to the Chicago Bears
Roushar’s move to the Chicago Bears marks the next chapter in his career. The Bears, who are in a rebuilding phase, are looking for coaches who can develop young talent and implement an offensive system that maximizes the potential of their players. By hiring Roushar, the Bears are tapping into his knowledge of offensive innovation, his experience in developing quarterbacks, and his connection to one of the most successful offensive minds in the NFL.
Roushar’s appointment to the Bears’ coaching staff is also notable because of his connection to the Payton coaching tree. While Roushar’s role with the Bears may be different from that of the offensive coordinators and head coaches who came out of Payton’s tree, his understanding of the principles that have made Payton’s offense so successful could be crucial to Chicago’s long-term success. Roushar has learned from one of the best, and now he will have the opportunity to apply that knowledge in a different environment, where the Bears are looking to build their offensive identity from the ground up.
The addition of Roushar also signals the Bears’ commitment to fostering the growth of their young quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two years in the league, but he has yet to fully develop into the consistent starter the Bears hope he will become. By bringing in a coach with experience in developing quarterbacks and building balanced offensive schemes, the Bears are signaling their intent to prioritize Fields’ growth and set him up for success.
How the Tulane Connection Benefits the Bears
The Bears’ hiring of Dan Roushar offers several key benefits, especially when viewed through the lens of his Tulane connection and his understanding of Sean Payton’s coaching philosophy. Here are some of the ways that this connection can help the Bears:
- Offensive Innovation: Roushar’s experience working under Willie Fritz at Tulane, where he helped develop an efficient and balanced offense, is exactly the type of innovative thinking the Bears need. Payton’s coaching tree, including Roushar, emphasizes modern offensive techniques, including innovative passing schemes, creative play-calling, and adapting to the strengths of the quarterback. This could be exactly what the Bears need to help unlock Justin Fields’ full potential.
- Quarterback Development: Developing a young quarterback is one of the most challenging tasks in the NFL. Given Roushar’s experience working with quarterbacks, including his work with Tulane’s quarterbacks, he can bring valuable expertise to the Bears’ quarterback room. His knowledge of Payton’s principles will likely help him teach Fields how to read defenses, progress through his reads, and maximize his physical tools in a more structured offensive system.
- Building a Winning Culture: Payton’s success in New Orleans was partly due to the strong culture he built within the Saints’ organization—a culture that emphasized discipline, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Roushar’s connection to Payton’s system, even if indirectly, can help foster a similar culture within the Bears. His understanding of what it takes to build a successful program will be essential as the Bears work to rebuild and return to contention.
- Strategic Playcalling and Adaptation: Payton’s offensive system is known for its adaptability and strategic playcalling. Roushar, having worked in a similar environment at Tulane, is well-versed in adjusting play schemes to fit the strengths of the players on the field. This ability to adapt to the unique skill sets of players will be vital as the Bears continue to build their offense around Fields and the team’s developing talent.
The Payton Coaching Tree’s Continued Impact
The connection between Sean Payton’s coaching tree and the Chicago Bears’ hiring of Dan Roushar highlights the enduring influence of Payton’s methods and philosophy. By bringing in a coach with ties to Payton’s system and experience in developing offensive talent, the Bears are making a strategic move that could pay off in the future. Roushar’s appointment signifies not only a new chapter in his coaching career but also an opportunity for the Bears to take the next step in their rebuild, particularly with the development of quarterback Justin Fields.
As the Bears continue to shape their identity under Head Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles, Roushar’s connection to Tulane football and the Payton coaching tree will serve as a foundational piece in their offensive transformation. If Roushar can apply the lessons he learned from Payton’s system to the Bears’ offense, Chicago may find itself back on the path to contention sooner than expected. Ultimately, this hire is not just about filling a coaching role but about establishing a culture of innovation and development that will shape the future of the franchise for years to come.
