Jon Hoke, in his fourth season as Chicago's defensive backs coach, was hired on January 13, 2009.
Jon Hoke, in his fourth season as Chicago's defensive backs coach, was hired on January 13, 2009.
In 2011, under Hoke's guidance CB Charles Tillman was named to his first career Pro Bowl while breaking the franchise record for career interception return touchdowns (five), including three since 2009. Tillman also forced four fumbles in 2011, tied for fifth most in the NFL and second among defensive backs. CB D.J. Moore recorded a team-high four interceptions during the 2011 season, a year after recording four in his first-year as Chicago's nickel back. Tillman and Moore each have eight interceptions over the last two seasons, tied for 12th in the NFL.
In 2010, S Chris Harris was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press after recording five interceptions. Tillman returned his five interceptions in 2010 127 yards, third most in the NFL. Tillman's 25.4 yards per return was third highest in the NFL and Moore's 23.8 average was fourth.
In 2009, second-year cornerback Zackary Bowman ranked tied for fifth in the NFL with six interceptions, the most by a Bears corner since Nathan Vasher had eight in 2006. Tillman ranked second in the NFL in 2009 with six forced fumbles, the most among defensive backs.
Prior to his time in Chicago, the 29-year coaching veteran spent the previous seven seasons (2002-08) as the Houston Texans defensive backs coach after spending three seasons (1999-2001) at the University of Florida as the Gators defensive coordinator/secondary coach. He added the title of assistant head coach in his final two seasons (2000-01) at Florida.
During his time with the Texans, Houston defensive backs accounted for 82.8 percent (72 of 87) of the teams' interceptions, seventh-highest percentage in the NFL during that span and third-highest in the AFC. In 2002, he coached CB Aaron Glenn to the Pro Bowl.
Prior to his time in Gainesville, Hoke tutored the defensive backs at Missouri for five seasons (1994-98) after spending three years in the same capacity at Kent State (1989-93), adding the title of defensive coordinator in his final season with the Golden Flashes.
Hoke started coaching at Bowling Green in 1983 as the Falcons' secondary/special teams coach. He spent four seasons in Bowling Green before coaching the defensive backs/special teams at San Diego State from 1987-88.
A four-year letterman at Ball State (1976-79), Hoke earned all-MAC honors as a defensive back. He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education. Hoke played 11 games for the Chicago Bears in 1980, recording seven tackles.
A native of Kettering, Ohio, Hoke and his wife, Jody, have four children: Mallory, Kyle and twins Kendall and Carly.
