Last January, the Chicago Bears gained a new addition to their coaching staff — Pass Game Coordinator Press Taylor. Beyond joining the Chicago Bears, Taylor and his family have become a part of the Lake Forest Community.
Press first started his coaching career at the University of Tulsa as the Offensive Graduate Assistant and Quarterbacks Coach. At the age of 25, he began working for the Philadelphia Eagles. In his eight years with the Eagles, he won a Super Bowl in 2018 as a Quarterbacks Coach. After Philadelphia, he began working for the Indianapolis Colts for a year as a Senior Offensive Assistant. Later, he got the Offensive Coordinator job with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he worked for three years. Now, Press works as the Pass Game Coordinator for the Chicago Bears.
Press’ wife, Brooklyn Taylor, has always stuck by his side through each move. Like Press, she has always been a part of the football world.
“I cheered in college for the University of Oklahoma and coached cheerleading after, so football has been in my life for a long time,” said Brooklyn.
Brooklyn emphasizes that being a part of an NFL coach’s family can be strenuous and sacrificial.
“Something people might not know about NFL coaches is their long work hours. They spend many hours in season preparing each week, most nights not getting home until midnight. Their busiest time is mid-July until (hopefully) the Super Bowl. The NFL has advantages and perks, for sure, but coaches’ families definitely sacrifice time with their husband/dad during the NFL season,” said Brooklyn.
Press and Brooklyn also have to consider their kids, who have had to adjust to new environments, having moved from team to team.
“Moving can bring challenges, but also a lot of advantages. We love getting to explore a new area, meet people, and grow as a family while doing it. With four children, we love that moving creates a bond between their siblings as they navigate change together,” Brooklyn said. “Both Press and I grew up in the same area our whole childhood, so our kids are growing up in a completely different environment than we did. I love that my kids are building community wherever we go.”
So far, Press has been enjoying his time with the Bears and is appreciative of the team’s passionate fans.
“Seeing what it means to the fan base when the Bears win is really cool. I can only imagine what a playoff run will feel like around here,” said Press.
Press notes that working in Chicago has given him a newfound sense of the scale of the Bears’ franchise.
“Until I got here, I didn’t realize this is the third-largest media market, but the first two, New York and Los Angeles, each have two teams. I knew the people here loved this franchise, but I wasn’t aware of the national coverage like I see now,” said Press.
Press explains that one thing about Chicago that has differed from the other teams or cities that he has previously worked with has been both the resources and the heritage.
“The facilities here at our Halas Hall office are fantastic, better than anywhere else I’ve been. And the coolest part of the Chicago Bears is their history. Being one of the flagship franchises, and also family owned, it’s very cool to hear stories from people who have grown up lifelong Bears fans, and to hear their excitement for this team and the future,” said Press.
Press has always been surrounded by football. His dad, Sherwood Taylor, was a former defensive back and coach for the University of Oklahoma. As well as Press’s older brother, Zac Taylor, who is the Head Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Press and Zac faced off against each other earlier this November, where Press got the win over his brother.
“It’s always fun to coach against my brother. I’m now 3-2-1 against him, so I’ve got the bragging rights for now. Unless it affects the team I’m with, there’s no bigger fan of the Bengals outside myself, but there’s also nobody else I’d rather beat than my older brother. Once the game starts, it doesn’t cross my mind, but before and after the game, it’s a cool thing to think about,” said Press.
Press has also been enjoying working with Head Coach Ben Johnson. Press’ brother Zac worked with Johnson for the Miami Dolphins from 2012-2015, so Press was familiar with Johnson before they started working together.
“It’s been exactly what I hoped for. I’ve learned a ton from him in such a short time. I’ve loved just seeing how he goes about being the Head Coach,” said Press. “He’s very intentional, has a great vision for what he wants his team to look like, and is relentless in pursuing it. He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, and now to see him in this role, and being so good at it, is cool to see.”
Outside of football, the Taylor family enjoys spending time together and slowing down their busy schedule.
“My husband and I value family time, and love hosting both of our families since we don’t live near them. We love to travel, but honestly, just being home and cooking meals, quality time with friends, and my husband loves to play pick up basketball, and I play tennis for fun. We are raising our kids to love all sports, too,” said Brooklyn.
Press has been appreciating Lake Forest and what it has to offer.
“I love the small town feel of getting to know neighbors, kids walking to school, and the kids and families out and about the town square during nice weather. It’s a really cool place to live, and we’re thankful we’ve ended up here,” said Press.
As the Bears gear up to build momentum this season, Press Taylor’s leadership and experience have been making a strong impact. Beyond the field, Brooklyn and Press have planted roots in Lake Forest, embracing the community and creating a home for their family.
