Thornton High School legend Antwaan Randle El is coming home.
The Lions assistant is in talks to join new Bears head coach Ben Johnson as the team’s wide receivers coach and assistant head coach, per ESPN. Hank Fraley, the Lions’ offensive line coach, is expected to stay in Detroit.
Randle El has been the Lions’ wide receivers coach since 2021, mentoring, among others, Amon-Ra St. Brown, after serving as an offensive assistant for three seasons with the Buccaneers.
He grew up a Bears fan and was drafted by the Cubs out of high school, only to pursue a football career. He played quarterback at Indiana and receiver in the NFL. From 2002-10, he caught 370 passes for 4,467 yards and 15 touchdowns, playing two stints with the Steelers and four years with the Commanders. The Bears made a push for him before he signed with the Commanders in 2006.
Cowboys assistant Al Harris is expected to join the Bears as their defensive pass game coordinator, too. Harris was the Cowboys’ assistant head coach and defensive backs coach last year. He was a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback with the Packers from 2003-09.
The Bears are not bringing back former interim head coach Thomas Brown, defensive coordinator Eric Washington, receivers coach Chris Beatty, offensive line coach Chris Morgan, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke or running backs coach Chad Morton. Others will likely join them.