Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

It's been a weird last year for Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, but general manager Ryan Poles is at least telling the media he's pretty confident the sides will get a new deal done. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to what Poles had to say about Johnson's future at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer listen to pieces of what Bears general manager Ryan Poles had to say at the NFL Combine, which included him saying the team wants to "do right" by quarterback Justin Fields if Chicago decides to trade him. Poles would also like to make a decision soon. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's NFL Combine time, which means we got to hear from both Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus while they're in Indianapolis. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer go through what each had to say Tuesday. Poles didn't offer any concrete plans about what the Bears will do with Justin Fields or the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft but did drop a nugget about where they're at in negotiations with Jaylon Johnson. Meanwhile, Eberflus told us a few traits he looks for in a quarterback. Do any of them describe Fields? This much is certain — the Bears are currently at the center of the NFL world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From 1st & Pod (subscribe here): Danny Parkins and Andrew Fillipponi react to Bears quarterback Justin Fields' comments on the St. Brown Brothers podcast and explain why Chicago will trade him soon. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mail is here! David Haugh and Dan Wiederer answer questions from listeners. Submit future questions via email ([email protected]) or on Twitter (@TakeTheNorthPod). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to Justin Fields explaining on the St. Brown Brothers podcast why he unfollowed the Bears on Instagram. It turns out to have meant exactly what we thought — nothing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer review the job that new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron did in tap dancing around quarterback questions during his introductory press conference. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss new Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington's introductory press conference Thursday. Washington explained what he'll be handling on game day as head coach Matt Eberflus will continue calling the defensive plays. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears have officially announced their new coaching staff, which means we finally get to hear from the new coordinators! David Haugh and Dan Wiederer share their thoughts from the introductory press conferences for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and defensive coordinator Eric Washington. Despite the best efforts of reporters, Waldron gave us absolutely nothing to tip the Bears' hand on what they'll do at quarterback. He did offer that his offense will need to adapt to the players he has. Meanwhile, Washington explained what exactly his role will be as a defensive coordinator who doesn't call plays on game day. The guys also take time this episode to react to what Justin Fields had to say on a recent podcast with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown in which Fields explained why he unfollowed the Bears on Instagram. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer had David Haugh and producer Adam Studzinski check out the replies to a tweet of his about Bears quarterback Justin Fields' future contract situation against that of a potential rookie quarterback. A lot of people didn't understand the question! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss reports that the Bears could have a quarterback plan ready by the time they're at the NFL Combine next week. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the latest rumors about the Bears' attempt to find a location to build a new stadium. Does team president Kevin Warren need to begin moving faster? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From 'Take The North' (subscribe here): Will the Bears have a quarterback plan in place by the start of the NFL Scouting Combine next week? Chicago has the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and could look to trade current quarterback Justin Fields, as USC quarterback Caleb Williams is the consensus top prospect in the 2024 draft class. Also, could the Bears be planning to trade up from the No. 9 overall pick to select Ohio State star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.? On this edition of The Daily Score, Mark Grote and CHGO host Mark Carman ponder those questions and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The offseason rumors are in full swing! David Haugh and Dan Wiederer go over the latest ones surrounding the Bears and what they could potentially do moving forward at the QB spot. One NFL insider reported the team could have a plan in place by the time they arrive at the NFL Combine. Also, does why did Justin Fields unfollow the Bears on Instagram? That doesn't mean anything, right? The gang additionally participate in an exercise Dan came up with surrounding a recent tweet of his, where a lot of people did not seem to understand the assignment! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the time Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair spent with the Bears, after the team announced both players are being released. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear what Kevin Warren said in a recent interview about both a timeline for locking in a new stadium location and what he thinks of Justin Fields. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer have a discussion on the relationship between Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles. Just how involved in making football decisions is Warren, if at all? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears have decided to move on from two of their longest tenured players. The team has announced they've released Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the time each spent in Chicago. Jackson's career peaked in 2018 when he was named an All-Pro. Meanwhile, Whitehair was the consummate professional and teammate who was willing to move positions when needed for the benefit of the offensive line. Also in this episode, Kevin Warren spoke during Super Bowl week to Jarrett Payton for WGN-TV. The Bears' president covered a ton, including the next steps in the search for a new stadium location, what he thinks of Justin Fields, and his role supporting Ryan Poles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer need to discuss a couple of Bears-related viral moments from Super Bowl week. That includes a less-than-stellar review of new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron from one of his former players. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer dive into the latest rumors surrounding the Bears, who once again hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Bears have "talked about" the idea of drafting a quarterback and also keeping Justin Fields, ESPN insider Adam Schefter said. That has no chance of actually happening, right? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the Super Bowl. The Chiefs truly never seem to lose belief that they can win any game, and it's because their quarterback is an inevitable force. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL season has officially come to a close, with the Chiefs once again winning the Super Bowl. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer offer their reactions to the game and their view through a Bears lens. And, can you really defend the 49ers for not playing defense first in overtime? As the guys turn their attention to the Bears in yet another crucial offseason, a pair of NFL insiders had nuggets for us on Super Bowl Sunday. The idea of the Bears taking a quarterback at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft and keeping Justin Fields is just ... kinda silly, right? Finally, a Seahawks wide receiver had a less-than-glowing review of new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss legendary Bears defensive lineman Steve "Mongo" McMichael being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer detail how Bears legend Devin Hester would get into the heads of opposing kickers and punters before games. Also, producer Adam Studzinski explains his admiration for Hester. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the amazing career of legendary Bears return man Devin Hester, who Wiederer describes as simply "a feeling." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's official. Two all-time Bears, Devin Hester and Steve "Mongo" McMichael, have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame! David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the careers of both. Mongo is finally getting his deserved recognition for his role on one of the best defenses in NFL history, and Hester can now truly say he's the greatest returner of all time. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the latest Bears stadium news. A new report indicates the team would like to ultimately build its next stadium inside the city limits, perhaps not far from Soldier Field. Do we believe that's really their goal? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the news of Luke Getsy getting the offensive coordinator job with the Raiders. It sounds like some people around the league don't feel Getsy was as much at fault for the Bears' offensive struggles as some Chicago fans believe. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the latest rumors surrounding USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the expected No. 1 overall draft pick. How can we responsibly sift through all the noise to figure out what's real and what isn't? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It seems like we can't go a week without more rumors and speculation about likely No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the latest and try to figure out the best way we can handle all this without getting reckless. In other Bears-adjacent news, Luke Getsy is getting another offensive coordinator job. Getsy is going to be handling the offense for the Raiders. It looks like we'll find out how much of the failings of the Bears offense under Getsy was on him and how much was on Justin Fields. Also in this episode, we're getting more reports and rumors about where the Bears would like to build their new stadium. It's looking like the team staying inside the Chicago city limits is definitely on the table. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer ponder why we saw more defensive-minded coaches hired for the top jobs during the coaching carousel this year. It's surprising considering the most successful head coaches in recent years have been offensive-minded ones. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh, Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski take a look back at their preseason Bears predictions. We're not going to lie — we nailed some of them! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson choosing to stick around in Detroit after it was widely assumed he'd take a head coaching job somewhere. Plus, Wiederer teases a progress report on Justin Fields based on standards we set before the season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With another Bears season come and gone, it's time for us to rewind and see how we did in our preseason predictions! David Haugh, Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski each picked the Bears' record, team MVP, breakout player, most disappointing player, NFC North champion and Super Bowl matchup. Some of the choices aged really well. Others ... not so much. Also in this episode, Haugh and Wiederer react to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson choosing to stay in Detroit. Plus, is it possible the Bears trade Justin Fields by early March? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer sat down for a chat with Teddy Greenstein, the player development manager at PointsBet. Greenstein recently co-authored a booked called "Quarterback Dads: Wild Tales from the Field." As part of the book, he spoke with USC star quarterback Caleb Williams' dad, Carl Williams. Greenstein walks us through what he gathered about both Carl and Caleb while writing the book. Is Carl truly the obsessive, hovering sports dad some are making him out to be? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the Bears hiring Eric Washington as their new defensive coordinator. What type of background does Washington have? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on the AFC and NFC Championship games. What were their biggest takeaways? And were there any lessons the Bears can learn from those games? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the Justin Fields highlight video that the Bears posted on social media. We aren't supposed to read anything into what that could mean for the Bears' future plans at quarterback ... right? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears continue to finish building their retooled coaching staff, with Eric Washington being hired as the team's new defensive coordinator. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer take a look at his background. How significant is the hire, considering we know now it's pretty likely that Matt Eberflus will continue calling the defensive plays on game day? Also in this episode, the guys react to everything we saw in the AFC & NFC Championship games. What were the biggest takeaways from the Chiefs advancing to the Super Bowl (again) and the 49ers' comeback against the Lions? Finally, the Bears recently posted a Justin Fields hype video on social media. That doesn't mean anything ... right? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer talks with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about how the Lions have built their team up under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer chats with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about Lions offensive coordinate Ben Johnson. What has Johnson done with the Lions offense to make him a coveted head coaching candidate? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a special edition of Take The North, as Dan Wiederer is joined by longtime Lions reporter Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press! Birkett helps us understand how the Lions went from perennial NFL bottom-feeders to NFC North champions and to the NFC Championship Game under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell. Plus, what is it about Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson that makes him a hot head coaching candidate? And how does he think the Lions will do against the 49ers in the NFC Championship? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer joined the Mully & Haugh Show to discuss Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan to take the Chargers' head coaching job. Did the Bears miss an opportunity to pursue Harbaugh? They also looked into the type of players the Bears could look at in the NFL draft — outside of quarterback. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the Bears' search for a defensive coordinator. We found out former Bears safety Chris Harris, who has been making his way up the coaching ranks and currently works for the Titans, interviewed for the job. Harris seems like a perfect fit in Chicago. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer look into new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's coaching history and offer their thoughts on his hiring. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer looked back at the divisional round of the NFL playoffs through a Bears lens. As Matt Eberflus is set to enter his third season on the job in 2024, is it possible the Bears could make the type of jump the Lions have made in Dan Campbell's third year? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After interviewing a bunch of candidates, the Bears have landed on former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to take over the same gig in Chicago. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the news and break down what his addition means for the team. What "tree" does Waldron come from? And what does his success with quarterback Geno Smith tell us about his adaptability? Plus, the Bears have finally begun interviewing candidates for their defensive coordinator job. A familiar name for Chicago fans is on the list: former Bears safety Chris Harris. Could Harris be a slam dunk of a hire if the Bears chose to go in that direction? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Weiderer react to Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson telling Keyshawn Johnson on All Facts No Brakes that he believes he has the credentials to be the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. Is that an offer the Bears should make? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer look at whom NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has the Bears selecting with their top two picks in the NFL Draft. It serves as a reminder the Bears will have a chance to get a good player at No. 9 overall in the draft no matter what they do with the No. 1 overall pick. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the Bears interviewing former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury for their offensive coordinator job. Kingsbury is currently the quarterbacks coach at USC, so at the least, it seems like a good opportunity to gain intel on Trojans star quarterback Caleb Williams. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices