Bears HC Ben Johnson prepared to lose Al Harris to coordinator job
The Chicago Bears have seen some big coaching staff departures this offseason, including losing offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. But one of the biggest moves this offseason has been retaining defensive backs coach Al Harris, who was in high demand this offseason.
Harris interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs for the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans. But Chicago was fortunate to hang onto Harris, at least for another season, which bodes well for Dennis Allen’s defense in 2026.
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Head coach Ben Johnson was concerned that the Bears would lose Harris to a defensive coordinator job after the defense led the league in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23). And while that wasn’t the case this offseason, Johnson is expecting Harris to get that promotion at some point.
“Absolutely,” Johnson said, via CHGO. “It’s just a matter of time before he gets that coordinator job. I know he felt very strongly about coming back in Chicago as well. He had a great time last year. Once again, I don’t want to speak for him, but he and I had great conversations in terms of his role and his value for us. I think he knows that he’s a big reason for our success.”
Harris’ work with the defensive backs group produced some impressive results in his first season with Chicago, where safety Kevin Byard led the NFL in interceptions, earning his third All-Pro nod, and cornerback Nahshon Wright leading the league in takeaways en route to his first Pro Bowl honors. Now, with new safety Coby Bryant added to the mix and cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon hopefully returning to full strength, he has the opportunity to keep building on that success.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson prepared to lose Al Harris to coordinator job