Now heading into Year 3, quarterback Tyson Bagent got his first real taste of the NFL in 2023 under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Getsy, who was fired after just one season as OC for the Chicago Bears, installed a scheme that was notoriously intricate and, at times, downright head-spinning.
In an August 6 interview with ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy, Bagent articulated exactly how head-spinning it was.
Noting he had been scrambling a bit during a November 2023 game against the New Orleans Saints, Bagent recounted what he heard in his headset as he headed back to the huddle — and it’s really quite something.
Tyson Bagent Comments on How He Had to Sift Through ‘Nonsense’ in Luke Getsy’s Offense
GettyQB Tyson Bagent’s recent comments on Luke Getsy’s offense are extremely telling.
You can watch the full clip of Bagent’s Getsy story above.
Ignoring Getsy’s playcalling and “skirted down the sideline for 20 more yards” instead sounds like it was certainly the correct move at the time. And, there was a lesson to be learned from it all:
“It gets crazy, it gets extensive out there, which is why in my eyes, that is the most important thing: just making sure you can spit all that nonsense out, get everybody to the huddle with enough time to see what’s going on,” the Bears backup said.
The fact Bagent was a rookie UDFA coming out of a Division II school made his handling of Getsy’s offense all the more impressive.
At Shepherd University, Bagent was a record-shattering machine, finishing with over 17,000 passing yards and an NCAA-record 159 touchdown passes. His senior year saw him throw for more than 4,500 yards and 41 TDs, earning him the Harlon Hill Trophy. Despite his video game numbers, he went undrafted in 2023, and the Bears signed him.
Across four starts filling in for an injured Justin Fields that season, Bagent threw for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 109 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. He went 2-2 in those games.
His ability to run Getsy’s quick-strike offense with precision earned praise, even if the scheme kept things conservative — and clearly confusing.
Arrival of New Head Coach Ben Johnson Should Help Further Bagent’s Development
Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago should be a very good thing for Bagent and the entire Bears offense.
Known for his creativity as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, Johnson mixes pre-snap motion, layered route concepts and adaptable reads to create mismatches without overwhelming his passers. It’s the perfect system for cerebral QBs.
Early in training camp, Johnson been quick to praise Bagent’s preparation and football IQ, calling him “smart as a whip” and appreciating “the seriousness and intent that he brings.”
The stylistic difference of Johnson’s system could also be huge for Bagent. Johnson gives his QBs more freedom within his scheme, and he encourages his signal-callers to be aggressive downfield. For a player like Bagent, who already operates with poise, this could mean unlocking a more dynamic version of his game.
With Caleb Williams entrenched as the starter, Bagent won’t be competing for the QB1 job—but in today’s NFL, a reliable backup is one of the best assets to have. If Johnson’s system can help Bagent look sharper, more comfortable and more explosive, the young QB will cement his spot as QB2 over Case Keenum.
He’ll also put plays on tape that could lead to more opportunities for him down the line. It’ll be fascinating to watch how he plays this preseason.
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