When Bears centers spoke to the media on Friday, Aaron Kromer’s name surfaced unexpectedly. Kromer, who served as the Bears’ offensive coordinator in the past, had a controversial history, including a well-known incident in 2014 where he publicly apologized to the team for making negative comments about quarterback Jay Cutler. This history, however, is being revisited in a new context as Kromer played a significant role in shaping the current competition at the center position.
Kromer’s involvement is notable because he had a hand in developing the two leading center candidates for the Bears: Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton. During his tenure as the Bills’ offensive line coach in 2022 and 2023, Kromer worked closely with Bates, while he was with the Rams from 2017 to 2020 when Shelton was part of their roster. Thus, the foundation for the current center battle can be indirectly traced back to Kromer’s coaching influence.
General Manager Ryan Poles is also a key figure in this situation. Poles was determined to acquire Bates, making a strong push to sign him as a restricted free agent. Although Bates was initially retained by the Bills, Poles’ persistence paid off this offseason when the Bears traded a fifth-round pick to bring Bates on board. This was Bates’ second trade in his career; his first was from the Eagles to the Bills. Despite playing only 35 snaps last year, Bates views these trades positively, seeing them as a sign of teams’ belief in his potential.
Bates expressed his appreciation for the Bears’ efforts to acquire him, noting that the experience of being traded twice has given him a more positive perspective. He believes that the third time’s the charm and feels optimistic about his fit with the Bears. According to Bates, the Bears’ wide-zone offense complements his mobility and athleticism well, qualities he sees as his strengths. He emphasized his ability to move effectively, which he believes will serve him and the team well.
On the unofficial depth chart for the preseason opener, Bates is listed as the starting center. He notes that his competition with Coleman Shelton is interesting because both players are agile and share a similar background, having been coached by Kromer. However, there is a noticeable difference in their sizes, with Shelton listed at 285 pounds compared to Bates’ 302 pounds, which could be a factor in the decision-making process.
The Bears’ center position requires not only blocking proficiency but also strong leadership. Since the departure of Olin Kreutz, the team has struggled to find an elite leader at this position. Cody Whitehair had some success in the role early in his career, but his frequent moves between guard and center have prevented him from establishing consistency.
Bates is currently focused on excelling as a center but remains prepared to switch positions if necessary. Although he has played significantly more snaps at guard than at center, Bates is committed to mastering the center role while remaining adaptable. He is dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the offense and being ready to step in at guard if the situation demands.
At the moment, Bates and Shelton are central to addressing ongoing issues within the Bears’ offense, including frequent false starts and challenges with quarterback Caleb Williams’ cadence. Bates sees these issues as part of the adjustment process for Williams, who is adapting to a new system and learning to manage the different demands of the NFL.
Bates praised Williams for his leadership and resilience, noting that Williams’ willingness to stand up for his teammates, as seen in a recent practice altercation, reflects his strong mentality and commitment to the team. Despite the cadence issues and penalties, Bates remains supportive of Williams and acknowledges the quarterback’s efforts to integrate into the team’s system.
In summary, while the Bears’ center competition is influenced by past coaching connections and recent trades, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit that can overcome current challenges and support their quarterback effectively.
