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4 things to know about Bears news RB coach Michael Pitre

The Chicago Bears have been busy this offseason filling some coaching vacancies on offense and defense, but Matt Nagy has finally filled out his staff.

The Bears have found their running backs coach in Michael Pitre, who takes over for the departed Charles London. London left Chicago to join Arthur Smith’s staff in Atlanta, where he’ll serve in the same role.

Let’s take a look at four things to know about Chicago’s new running backs coach.

Pitre will coach his first full season in the NFL

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Pitre will get his first coaching chance in the NFL with the Bears. He spent the last three seasons as Oregon State's running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Pitre's previous coaching experience came with Montana State (2014-2017) and Colorado (2012-2013). he also served as a scouting intern with the New England Patriots in 2009.

Pitre coached Artavis Pierce at Oregon State

Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Before Pitre arrived in Chicago, he spent the past three seasons as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Oregon State. During that time, Pitre coached Bears running back Artavis Pierce in 2018 and 2019. During Pitre's three seasons at Oregon State, the Beavers averaged 165.8 rushing yards per game and totaled 59 rushing touchdowns.

There's the Matt Nagy connection

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

In case you were wondering if there was a Matt Nagy connection with this latest coaching hire, you'd be correct. Before Pitre joined the Bears, he and Nagy knew each other in 2017 when Pitre was part of the Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship coaching program with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, Nagy and Pitre are reunited in Chicago.

Pitre was a three-year starting fullback at UCLA

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Before Pitre served as a running backs coach, he was a three-year starting fullback at UCLA, where he was also one of the Bruins' captains in 2016. During his three years at UCLA, Pitre had 22 carries for 79 yards and 1 touchdown and added 36 receptions for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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