LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- A former college quarterback and head coach, Bears offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich understands where accountability starts when a football team fails.
"The quarterback and the head coach are the easiest guys to blame," Helfrich said. "That's going to happen.
"It's just not always that easy."
Nothing is simple when it comes to assessing the struggles of this Bears offense, which entering the last week of the regular season ranks 31st in the NFL averaging 4.7 yards per play.
With coach Matt Nagy all but certainly safe after the Bears (7-8) finish their season and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky likely to be given another chance in 2020, who will get the blame after this season ends? That could be Helfrich and other members of the Bears' offensive coaching staff.
The Bears could seek changes on Nagy's offensive coaching staff at the conclusion of this season and effectively begin the blame on Helfrich and other assistants, whose role in the collective offense struggles can be considered more support staff than detrimental factor.
Helfrich understands firings are in play for the offensive staff.
"You're in this business, stuff happens," Helfrich said. "That's a possibility."
The Bears hired Helfrich as offensive coordinator in January in 2018, with Nagy looking for a unique view on offense from the former Oregon coach. Helfrich's task is primarily with preparation of the offense. He oversees the unit, while Nagy is responsible for the play-calling and scheme.
Nagy has declined to relinquish play-calling duties this season as the Bears have sputtered offensively. Chicago has managed 17.3 points per game through 15 contests, which ranks 30th in the NFL. The passing game (207.5 yards per game) with Trubisky has been inconsistent and the running game (86.6 yards per game) has been ineffective and often non-existent.
The Bears have endured struggles from every position group on offense, which calls into question the job security of each assistant coach. Despite boasting a league-leading defense in 2018, the Bears dismissed several coaches on their defensive staff last offseason when Chuck Pagano arrived as coordinator to replace the outgoing Vic Fangio, who became Broncos head coach.
If Nagy was willing to alter the coaching staff of a dominant defense, it's certainly in play for his broken offense.
Nagy and the Bears have said their focus is on Sunday's season finale in Minneapolis. The first steps of this offseason are not yet clear. Helfrich is not certain of Nagy's plan to assess the offense this offseason.
The Bears have not set a date for their season-end press conference, which features Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace. It's a media session that in the past has come the day after the last game.
However, the Bears waited to hold their season-end remarks last January after Pagano was hired as defensive coordinator and began transitioning the coaching staff.
It's possible Monday could bring changes inside Halas Hall.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
