NFC North

The NFC won the Pro Bowl for the third straight year on Sunday, topping the AFC 76-63.

Afterward, a pair of NFC North stars took home the Pro Bowl MVP awards.

Detroit Lions star quarterback Jared Goff was named the Offensive MVP while Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. took home the Defensive MVP.

Byron Murphy & Jared Goff are your 2025 #ProBowlGames MVPs! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WUCN2Y9TQQ

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025

Murphy, a first-time Pro Bowler, had a big day that featured a pick-six. Afterward, he expressed his gratitude to get to play among the league's best for the first time.

"Obviously, first Pro Bowl, very blessed to be here," he said. "But the defense today came to show up... the guys on the defense came to play today, we had fun and coach Eli [Manning] got us right."

This year was Goff's fourth Pro Bowl appearance, but it was the first time he earned MVP honors. He had 126 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win.

"It was fun, it was a really good week," Goff said. "I thought they did a really good job putting it together down here in Orlando. It was fun. Coach Eli did a hell of a job for us, leading us all week."

Kyle Juszczyk scores the first TD of the Flag Football game!

📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/rwHTXuceEP

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025

Malik Nabers scores and flips into the foam pit 😂

📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/8o4EJpSHRI

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025

.@jaxon_smith1 high-steps in the Deion cleats and pays homage to @terrellowens ✍️

📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/E0fil4INus

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025

#ProBowlGames PICK 6‼️@byronmurphy

📺: @ESPN | @ABC pic.twitter.com/ggwI0TmrDK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 2, 2025

1st Pro Bowl ✅
Pick 6 ✅
NFC Win ✅
Defensive MVP ✅

What a day, @byronmurphy! pic.twitter.com/VMquRgUGCw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 2, 2025

Murphy is coming off the best season of his career, racking up 81 tackles, a forced fumble, 14 passes defended and six interceptions. If he can continue his momentum from the big year, he could be on his way to another Pro Bowl appearance in 2026.

Goff also had a tremendous season, throwing for 4,629 yards and a career-high 37 touchdowns while leading the Lions to a 15-2 record.

While both Murphy and Goff would rather be preparing for the Super Bowl, winning MVP honors at the Pro Bowl isn't a bad way to wrap up the season.

Eric Bieniemy is reportedly returning to the NFL after one season in the collegiate ranks.

Per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Chicago Bears are hiring Bieniemy to be their running backs coach under new head coach Ben Johnson. Bieniemy was the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator in 2023 and spent the 2024 season as UCLA's offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy retired from playing football in 1999 and cut his teeth in the coaching world at the collegiate level. He got his first NFL job in 2006 when he took over as the Minnesota Vikings running backs coach.

He was promoted to assistant head coach and running backs coach in 2010 but joined Colorado's staff in 2011 as the team's offensive coordinator. In 2013, he returned to the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach and stayed in that position until 2018, when he was promoted to offensive coordinator.

As Kansas City's offensive coordinator, Bieniemy helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls and win two of them in 2019 and 2022.

Bieniemy's success with the Chiefs didn't follow him to Washington last season, however, as the Commanders went 4-13, leading to Ron Rivera's firing. New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn did not bring back Bieniemy in 2024.

According to Schultz, Bieniemy received interest from a handful of teams after a successful stint with the Bruins but ultimately wanted to join Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in Chicago.

Johnson, Bieniemy and the Bears will have their work cut out for them this season. Chicago is coming off its fourth straight postseason absence and a 5-12 season. There's plenty of hope for the Bears with Johnson, one of the most sought-after coaches this cycle, taking over, along with an exciting young quarterback in Williams.

Now they've got an experienced coach in Bieniemy joining their staff.

The Detroit Lions handed former Stanford head coach David Shaw a multi-year contract to become the team's new passing game coordinator on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Shaw previously spent 12 seasons at Stanford from 2011 through 2022, finishing with a 96-54 record.

He was a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos in 2024, but he hasn't been part of an NFL coaching staff since he was with the Baltimore Ravens as a wide receivers coach in 2005 (via Pelissero).

Shaw's brief tenure with the Broncos represents a connection to John Morton, who was hired as Detroit's new offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Morton served as Denver's passing game coordinator in 2024.

As for Shaw, his career with the Cardinal started off strong. They reached at least 10 wins in five of his first six years with the team, which included two Rose Bowl victories. Shaw's first season at the school was also with quarterback Andrew Luck, who finished No. 2 in 2011 Heisman Trophy voting and went on to make four Pro Bowl appearances in the NFL.

Stanford couldn't maintain the same level of success under Shaw, who eventually resigned in 2022 following consecutive 3-9 seasons.

He's received some interest throughout the current hiring cycle prior to his reported contract with the Lions, as the Chicago Bears previously interviewed him for the team's offensive coordinator vacancy.

Shaw will now replace Tanner Engstrand as Detroit's passing game coordinator. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that Engstrand is a candidate to become the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets under head coach and former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Also, I'm told #Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstand's name is already involved in substantive discussions for the pending #Jets offense coordinator role, per a league source.

Steve Wilks' name has also come up in discussions for the #Jets defensive coordinator vacancy,… pic.twitter.com/BlaLfM817W

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 28, 2025

As the Lions look to bounce back from a disappointing divisional-round playoff exit, they're reportedly bringing in Shaw as their new passing game coordinator.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly eyeing an outside candidate to replace former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson after he accepted the Chicago Bears head coaching position.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions "are working to hire" Denver Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton as their next OC and he's on his way to Detroit to meet with them.

Morton was a senior offensive assistant for the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell during the 2022 season. He and Campbell previously worked together on Sean Payton's staff with the New Orleans Saints in 2016, with Morton serving as wide receivers coach and Campbell holding the position of assistant head coach/tight ends coach.

Morton last worked as an offensive coordinator in 2017 when he was with the New York Jets. He also served as OC for USC for two seasons in 2009 and 2010.

As pass game coordinator of the Broncos, Morton had a hand in the development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who exceeded all expectations and threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading Denver to its first playoff appearance since 2015.

The Lions will look different next season after losing Johnson and former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is now head coach of the New York Jets. Detroit reportedly promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to fill its defensive coordinator role, and now it sounds like the team has found its replacement for Johnson.

If Morton does leave Denver for Detroit, he would be the second offensive assistant to take an OC position. The Bears reportedly hired Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as their new OC under Johnson on Sunday.

The staff under new head coach Ben Johnson is starting to take shape for the Chicago Bears with a key addition on Sunday.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bears are set to hire Denver Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as their next offensive coordinator.

The addition of Doyle means the two most important positions on Johnson's staff are now filled. Earlier on Sunday, the Bears tabbed former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as its next defensive coordinator. Allen's experience should be beneficial to Johnson in his first year at the helm in Chicago.

Things moved quickly between the Bears and Doyle, as it was just one day ago that Pelissero reported that the 28-year-old had interviewed with the team. Chicago reportedly also requested to interview Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork and former Stanford head coach David Shaw for the OC position, but it now appears that Doyle was the top choice all along.

Doyle had served as an offensive assistant coach for the Saints from 2019 to 2022 before joining Sean Payton's staff with the Broncos in 2023. Despite his youth, Pelissero described Doyle as "a valued assistant" for Payton, so the Bears potentially secured a rising offensive mind whose best days are ahead of him.

Chicago's top priority has been to create an ideal environment for 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, and the team has accomplished just that. By hiring Johnson, the Bears secured the most innovative offensive coach on the market, so the signal-caller could make a major leap to stardom in his second season.

There will reportedly be a notable name on Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's staff in his first year at the helm.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Chicago is hiring former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as its next defensive coordinator. Rapoport called Allen a "respected guru" and pointed to his experience that will help the first-year head coach.

This is anything but a surprise, as it has been discussed multiple times since Chicagao hired Johnson.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Allen was the "leading candidate" for the defensive coordinator position for what could be a "star-studded coaching staff." Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported Saturday that the team was expected to make the hire.

While Allen was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 until he was fired after four games in 2014 and with the Saints from 2022 until he was fired after nine games in 2024, he also has a defensive background.

In addition to time as a defensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons and Saints early in his career, he was also the defensive coordinator for Denver Broncos in 2011 as they advanced to the AFC Divisional Round.

Allen was the defensive coordinator for the Saints for six seasons from 2016 to 2021 before becoming the team's head coach.

Neither of his tenures as a head coach went particularly well, as he went a combined 26-53 and never made the playoffs. However, he found far more success as the defensive coordinator in New Orleans.

The team made the playoffs four seasons in a row when he was D.C. from 2017 through 2020, including when it advanced to the NFC Championship Game during the 2018 campaign. His defenses finished in the top seven in the league in points and yards allowed in each of his final two years as D.C.

Much of the focus will be on Caleb Williams and the offense in Chicago, especially after the front office hired an offensive-minded head coach in Johnson. But the defense will also have to improve after finishing 27th in the league in yards allowed this past season if the Bears are going to compete in a strong NFC North.

Allen can help the unit do just that as soon as the 2025 campaign.

Detriot Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold isn't enjoying the experience of watching Sunday's NFC Championship Game from home.

Arnold posted a video on TikTok before the clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders and wrote in the caption, "Makes me sick," but he added, "We'll be back."

Terrion Arnold 💔 about not playing in the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP today.

“Makes me sick We’ll be back.” pic.twitter.com/uQhFttluNq

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 26, 2025

Arnold isn't the only Lions player who made his displeasure known on social media, as linebacker Alex Anzalone announced a self-imposed blackout from his phone and television, while fellow cornerback Amik Robertson declared he wouldn't watch the conference title game:

Well, I guess today’s a good day for no social media and tv 😒

— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) January 26, 2025

No. https://t.co/eikWYxlY4Q

— Amik Robertson (@_YoungTruth7) January 25, 2025

The Lions entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NFC and received the conference's lone first-round bye. Unfortunately, Detroit was upset by Washington 45-31 in the Divisional Round, putting a swift end to a dream season.

While the Lions have a talented core that will help them remain title contenders for years to come, it's clear that the heartbreak of this season's playoff exit will linger for quite some time among the players.

The Detroit Lions are promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Glenn, who left to become the New York Jets head coach, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Sheppard, now in his eighth year as an NFL coach, will step into the role in his third season working alongside head coach Dan Campbell.

The 37-year-old former middle linebacker spent eight seasons in the NFL, beginning his professional career with the Buffalo Bills before playing for four other teams.

Sheppard finished his career with Detroit, playing one season in 2018. He appeared in seven games and recorded five tackles.

Prior to his retirement, Sheppard had a standout season with the Miami Dolphins in 2015, recording 105 total tackles, including 75 solo, 13 tackles for loss and two passes defended.

The former third-round pick out of LSU in 2011 had been favored for the promotion since Glenn's departure last week.

After spending a few seasons learning under Glenn, Sheppard felt ready to step into the role at the conclusion of the season.

"Yes. I would be lying to you saying no. Absolutely, and that's what happens here. It's not just the players within in the building, but it's the coaches as well," Sheppard said when asked about running his own defense, per Sports Illustrated's John Maakaron. "I'm very appreciative of the way Dan, Brad and A.G. have structured this thing to put you in leadership roles within your own right, within your room. As many times as A.G. allows me to speak in front of the entire defense, they don't have to do those things. I have friends that coach in other buildings, and I know they are not afforded those opportunities, so I don't take them lightly."

Sheppard clearly has Glenn's stamp of approval, having excelled as Detroit's linebackers coach.

"He's fiery, everything that you need as a linebacker coach, he's that," Glenn said, per Maakaron. "And there are certain coaches on the staff that I think have to be bulldogs and he's one of those coaches at that position, along with D-line, O-line and running back. You have to be a fricking bulldog and he does a good job of that."

Campbell and the No. 1-seeded Lions suffered a heartbreaking 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. However, with Sheppard taking over as defensive coordinator next season, the team will undoubtedly be in good hands.

The Chicago Bears have an intriguing new candidate in mind for their open offensive coordinator position.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Bears completed an interview with Denver Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle for the offensive coordinator job and that Doyle is a "top candidate" for new head coach Ben Johnson.

The #Bears interviewed #Broncos TE coach Declan Doyle today for their offensive coordinator job, per source.

Sean Payton hired Doyle, 28, to replace Joe Brady in New Orleans and later brought him to Denver. Now Doyle is a top candidate to be Ben Johnson’s OC. pic.twitter.com/sKesTpmOQI

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 25, 2025

The Bears have also requested to interview Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork and former Stanford head coach David Shaw, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports and Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune:

The Bears have requested to interview Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork for their offensive coordinator position, sources tell @NFLonCBS. Woolfork has worked with Kyler Murray the last two seasons and was with the Browns before that. pic.twitter.com/eOzelztRKu

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 25, 2025

#Bears have also requested to interview David Shaw for the offensive coordinator job. He was interviewed for the HC position.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 25, 2025

Doyle has been with the Broncos since 2023 when Sean Payton took over as head coach. Before joining the Denver staff, he served as an offensive assistant coach for the New Orleans Saints from 2019-2022.

Woolfork had previously served as an offensive assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Cardinals in 2023. Shaw is currently a senior analyst for the Browns, but is best known for his work at the college level as Stanford's head coach from 2011-22. He also interviewed for the Bears head coaching role before the team signed Johnson.

Johnson was hired by the Bears on Monday after serving as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator for three seasons.

He figures to assume play-calling duties in Chicago and will hope his offensive coordinator can help him maximize the talent of a loaded roster that features Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, among others.

After shaping the Detroit Lions' offense around Jared Goff for three seasons, newly-hired Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson plans to make similar moves around Caleb Williams.

"We'll take the same track and mindset that we had with Jared, which is, we're going to build this thing around him," Johnson said Friday on the Rich Eisen Show (2:00 mark of the video below.)

Johnson went on to provide some insight as to how he saw the Bears' offense taking shape around Williams:

The offense, conceptually, schematically, we're going to really spend a lot of time together, and build it from him and mine. We're gonna build the rest of the unit, whether it's offensive line, perimeter unit, with him in mind. And we're gonna accentuate his strengths, and we're gonna make sure we are working to improve his weaknesses. So we'll have a great, detailed plan.

There's no question that one of his superpowers is his ability to create and extend plays, and that's not something that we want to take away from him. We're gonna encourage that within structure, as well. The perimeter players have to be in tune with, when a play breaks down and he breaks the pocket, how we're gonna respond to that so we can capitalize on big plays outside of the pocket.

Johnson said it would take sitting down and watching tape with Williams to determine the specifics of his offensive plans, but added that early conversations with the incoming second-year quarterback left him optimistic about their future relationship.

"That's why I'm so encouraged so far. He's been very receptive," Johnson told Eisen. "He wants to be coached hard. This will be a different experience for him than what he's ever had here in college, or so far in the NFL. But we'll see how far we can push the envelope with him."

Goff had some of the best seasons of his career through three years playing in Johnson's system in Detroit. He finished the 2024 campaign with career highs in passing touchdowns (37, good for fourth in the NFL) and QBR (68.4 quarterback rating, sixth highest in the league.)

Williams meanwhile took 68 sacks, the third-most in NFL history, while ranking 28th in the league with a 46.7 quarterback rating during his rookie 2024 season. The Bears will hope bringing Johnson into the fold can help the former No. 1 pick turn those numbers around during his second season the NFL.