Bears insider points to positive momentum for Ben Johnson when it comes to retaining vital pieces to his coaching staff
The Chicago Bears might not lose any more members of Ben Johnson’s staff this cycle.
The Chicago Bears have a big offseason ahead going into Year 2 under head coach Ben Johnson and the pressing concerns the last two weeks involved which members of the coaching staff would be retained going into 2026.
So far, the Bears have only lost one assistant coach with former running backs coach Eric Bieniemy departing to once again become the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Several other assistants received some outside interest in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Al Harris. But, it’s looking like Johnson is getting some positive momentum toward keeping both vital members of the coaching staff.
Bears insider Brad Biggs believes Bears are likely to retain Declan Doyle and Al Harris in 2026
“At this point, I’d expect Declan Doyle and Al Harris back for Ben Johnson’s staff in 2026,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune said on Thursday, via 670 The Score.
Doyle got two lateral offensive coordinator requests from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens, with both positions offering offensive play-calling duties in that role, which would be a slight promotion for Doyle role-wise. Doyle reportedly had a “highly impressive” interview with the Eagles but withdrew his name from consideration. Hours later, the Ravens submitted their request but Biggs is making it seem Baltimore could go a different direction.
As for Harris, he received defensive coordinator requests from the Tennessee Titans, the Washington Commanders, and the Green Bay Packers. All two of those three teams (WAS and GB) have since filled their defensive coordinator positions. There was another team that made sense to potentially poach Harris in the Pittsburgh Steelers after hiring head coach Mike McCarthy, someone Harris has a lengthy history with. However, on Thursday, it was reported that the Steelers are expected to hire Patrick Graham as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
This cycle couldn’t have gone any better for Johnson. Even though he said he welcomes any assistant exploring an advancement in their coaching career, only having one assistant get poached is an ideal scenario after the season the Bears just had.
In due time, Doyle and Harris will earn their much-deserved promotions, likely in next year’s cycle and taking part in the interview process this cycle gave them some valuable experience for the future.
But, it certainly seems like the rest of the band is coming back for another season and that’s an exciting thought. Doyle is a vital member for the team’s offense and keeping that stability for a second season will be huge for the players. Harris also worked wonders with the team’s defensive back room which will feature the return of 2025 rookie CB Zah Frazier (whom Harris was excited to draft) and eventual new additions at the safety position.
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