Ben Johnson officially scores one big win with the coaching staff and it could help retain a top free agent
All signs point toward the Chicago Bears keeping Al Harris on the staff in 2026.
The raid of Ben Johnson’s coaching staff was something the Chicago Bears have been bracing for after the success the team had during the first season under the new head coach.
Multiple times, Johnson referred to his crew as a five-star staff filled with experienced coaches and rising candidates that other teams would be interested in poaching.
As of right now, Johnson has only lost two assistants he now has to replace in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. All things considered, that’s not bad at all. And Johnson even scored one big win this week with a top defensive assistant now set to return in 2026.
All signs point toward the Bears having Al Harris back on Ben Johnson’s staff in 2026
Bears defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Al Harris received slips to interview for a defensive coordinator position with the Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers, with rumors that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be interested as well.
All four teams have since gone a different position with their DC vacancies, which points toward Harris returning to Chicago and remaining on the staff for a second season.
Earlier in the season, Johnson had high praise for the impact Harris brought to the staff and it’s a big win keeping him in the fold for 2026.
“He’s done a phenomenal job,” Johnson said of Harris. “He’s made a huge impact on our players, he’s made a huge impact on our defense, and our team. Everywhere he’s been, his DBs have been ballhawks.”
With Harris leading the defensive back room, Chicago had two Pro Bowl selections from that unit in Kevin Byard, who lead all NFL players with seven interceptions, and Nahshon Wright, who led all cornerbacks with five interceptions. Both players are slated to hit free agency and Harris could play a major role in re-signing them back for the 2026 season.
Could Al Harris convince the Bears to re-sign Pro Bowl CB Nahshon Wright?
The Bears have already made their stance clear with mutual interest when it comes to bringing back Byard, who was also named as a first-team All Pro selection. Wright, however, is a tougher call for the team to make after a breakout season. He’s also made his intentions clear that he would like to stay in Chicago if possible with Harris being a big reason why.
“I think he’s the reason why I’m standing here today,” Wright said while at the Pro Bowl. “When you have someone who believes in you, he never gave up faith even when I did get traded. He never gave up on me, always checked on me. To be able to go do what we did together in Chicago was everything. Him just believing in me, that staff with [Dennis Allen], Ben, [Ryan] Poles, just allowing me to come in. It was definitely cool.”
The decision to sign Wright in the first place last offseason tells you the kind of voice Harris has in personnel decisions. Wright was an afterthought in free agency after a down year with the Minnesota Vikings, but Harris saw something in him and pushed the Bears to sign him.
Harris also pushed the Bears to draft cornerback Zah Frazier in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a player who missed his entire rookie season but is expected to be in the team’s plans for 2026.
The veteran coach has a strong voice in the building and if he wants to bring Wright back, and Wright is willing to come back at a discounted price, we shouldn’t rule it out. But, I believe Wright should go get his bag in free agency that he rightfully deserves while the Bears roll with the cornerback room currently under contract.
Chicago Bears News
Bears’ Cole Kmet confirms how integral Declan Doyle was to the offensive success and the key piece Ben Johnson will need to replace
The search for the team’s new offensive coordinator is underway this week.
