With nearly three decades of coaching experience to his credit, the Bears’ Marc Trestman has a wealth of knowledge to share.
This spring, Syracuse offensive coordinator George McDonald was able to tap into the insight of the Bears’ head coach. According to Syracuse.com, the 38-year-old McDonald was invited to spent time with the Bears with an eye on learning more about how Trestman worked at his craft.
Via ESPNChicago.com, McDonald told Syracuse.com’s Nate Mink that Trestman’s philosophy was akin to a Hall of Fame basketball coach’s approach.
“For a loose term he’s kind of the Phil Jackson of the NFL in terms of how he sees the game from a different picture other than just football and Xs and Os,” McDonald said, per Syracuse.com. “I’ve always been intrigued by him. I’ve heard a lot of great things. I think he sees the game from a different perspective. He’s really good with dealing with players and communicating his vision.”
Jackson is also akin to Trestman in that both worked in other leagues before getting head coaching jobs at the highest level. Jackson coached in the CBA and in Puerto Rico before becoming a Bulls assistant, while Trestman had a successful stint in the CFL before taking the Bears’ job in 2013.
Chicago sports historians will note that Jackson won his first NBA title in his second season as the Bulls’ head coach. Trestman, of course, is entering his second year with the Bears.