Everyone seems excited about the new coaching staff for the Chicago Bears, but one person that may struggle to coexist with the latest personnel changes is wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Offensive coordinator Adam Gase was the wide receivers coach for the Denver Broncos in 2009, which just so happened to be Marshall’s last season with the team. The good news is there is no reported bad blood between the two. With that said, the fact Marshall was traded in 2010 while Gase was his position coach could mean something is there.
Either way, that is far from the main reason why Marshall and the new coaching staff could struggle to get along.
Head coach John Fox is not a man to put up with drama, something Marshall finds himself involved in frequently. Fox knows he must take the bull by the horns right out of the gate, which means making sure the veteran wide receiver will not be a problem for the newly implemented coaching staff.
There is no question the Bears are a far better team with Marshall on the roster. However, it would be foolish to completely ignore the rumors surrounding his future in Chicago.
The biggest issue Fox, Gase and Marshall will face is the desire to create diversity at the wide receiver position. Marshall plays his game a certain way, but unfortunately, teammate Alshon Jeffery has a very similar style. Considering Jeffery had the more productive season in 2014 and could be the one with a brighter career going forward, the coaching staff may agree to pull towards him. That means alternating what Marshall does on the field to allow the offensive to perform better, which is something he is most likely not going to want to do.
Last season, Marshall talked a lot about finding leadership in the locker room and being a team player so the team can thrive. Well, now he is going to have to put his money where his mouth is. There is no better way to show leadership than by physically setting an example for his teammates. That means getting along with the new coaches by doing whatever is asked of him.
If that becomes a problem, the Bears may have no choice but to look for a trade.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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