Chicago Bears announce which members of the 2024 coaching staff will not return under new head coach Ben Johnson
On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears announced the hiring of their new head coach Ben Johnson and soon after allowed Johnson to address the media for the first time.Johnson noted that a lot of changes will be taking place in Chicago, including bringing in new assistants onto his first coaching staff.A day later, we learned which […]
On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears announced the hiring of their new head coach Ben Johnson and soon after allowed Johnson to address the media for the first time.
Johnson noted that a lot of changes will be taking place in Chicago, including bringing in new assistants onto his first coaching staff.
A day later, we learned which members of the Bears' 2024 coaching staff won't be returning to the team on Johnson's new staff.
Interim head coach Thomas Brown, interim offensive coordinator / wide receivers coach Chris Beatty, offensive line coach Chris Morgan, quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph and defensive coordinator Eric Washington will not be retained by the Bears. Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke and running backs coach Chad Morton were also added to this growing list on Friday.
As of right now, Johnson has not made any hires to his staff but noted on Wednesday during his introductory press conference that he will be speaking with multiple experienced coaches for various roles.
"After we get through this initial madness, if you will, we can get going on the coaching staff that's going to be a critical part of our success," Johnson explained. "I really believe that we're going to be able to find some great candidates out there that want to come to Chicago for a number of reasons, but they will be able to help guide and show me the way."
The biggest loss on the staff is going to be Thomas Brown. With the Bears in 2024, Brown went from passing game coordinator, to interim offensive coordinator, to interim head coach in a span of a few days because of the trust and respect he earned from his players. Brown is a smart offensive-mind and getting the head coaching experience down the stretch will be key for his future positions. Brown has already interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator job and is being strongly considered to join Mike Vrabel's offensive staff with the New England Patriots.
Chris Beatty also joined the staff in 2024 coming over from the Los Angeles Chargers in a lateral move. Beatty's connection with veteran Keenan Allen paved the way to land in Chicago while also mentoring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and the rest of the wide receiver room. After Brown was promoted to interim head coach, Beatty took over the interim offensive coordinator duties for the remainder of the season.
Kerry Joseph was a key part of the staff when it came to developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Finding a quarterbacks coach that can replace Joseph and continue aiding the quarterback's development will be important for Johnson.
Chris Morgan spent three seasons in Chicago working with the offensive line that struggled mightily during the 2024 season. In the two seasons prior, the unit ranked among the best in the league in run-blocking. However, the issues in pass protection glared more than ever in 2024 when the unit allowed a league-high 68 sacks.
Eric Washington joined the Bears in 2024 taking over defensive coordinator duties. Washington's excellent work with the defensive line was a strong fit alongside Matt Eberflus, who called the defense and worked mainly with the secondary. However, after Eberflus was fired, Washington took over the play-calling duties for the entire unit down the stretch. Johnson is expected to hire an experienced defensive coordinator to replace Washington and run the defensive side of the ball.
Jon Hoke has been with the Bears since 2023 coaching the defensive backs and serving as the defensive passing game coordinator. Under Hoke, cornerback Jaylon Johnson was named to back-to-back Pro Bowls and the development of players such as Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith has been evident. The last two seasons was Hoke's second stint in Chicago, he also served the same role on Lovie Smith's staff from 2009-2012 and was retained by Marc Trestman in 2013. He did not return under the staff put together when the team hired John Fox in 2015.
Chad Morton became a fan-favorite on the staff working alongside Jennifer King with the running backs during HBO's Hard Knocks. Morton joined the Bears' staff in 2024 after previously working under Pete Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks.
One assistant who's position with the team is still in the air is special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. Soon after Johnson was hired, former New Orleans Saints' interim head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was linked to the position, but he also has other offers from other teams and reportedly is not expected to join Johnson's staff. Johnson could consider bringing Hightower back.
We will continue updating if any other coaching decisions are made to Johnson's staff with the Bears.
Ben Johnson might already be getting a head start toward putting together his first coaching staff with the Chicago Bears
This would be another slam dunk hire.
