Less than one week after the Lions and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson were bounced from the playoffs, he took over as Bears coach and began putting together a staff. Here’s a look at where Johnson stands at each position:
Offensive coordinator*
Chris Beatty and Thomas Brown released from contracts
The Bears have interviewed Titans quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree, NFL Network reported. He was on staff with Johnson with the Dolphins from 2016 through ’18.
Offensive line coach
Chris Morgan released from contract
Quarterbacks coach: J.T. Barrett*
Kerry Joseph released from contract
Johnson hired Barrett, a former star at Ohio State and his assistant quarterbacks coach with the Lions, on Friday but the team hasn’t officially announced it yet.
Wide receivers coach: Antwaan Randle El*
Chris Beatty released from contract
Johnson hired Randle-El, who starred at Thornton High School a former star at Ohio State and played nine seasons in the NFL before going into coaching, on Friday but the team hasn’t officially announced it yet. He was the Lions’ wide receivers coach the last four seasons.
Tight ends coach
Jim Dray remains on staff
As Johnson began releasing assistants from predecessor Matt Eberflus’ staff during his first week on the job, he retained Dray. That could change once an offensive coordinator is hired. Johnson and Dray have no previous work experience together.
Running backs coach
Chad Morton released from contract
Defensive coordinator*
Eric Washington released from contract
Johnson said Jan. 22 he was interested in former Raiders and Saints coach Dennis Allen for this position, but would conduct a full interview process. The Bears have interviewed or are expected to interview Rams assistant head coach and defensive passing-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant and Vikings cornerbacks coach and defensive passing-game coordinator Daronte Jones as well.
Defensive passing-game coordinator: Al Harris
(position did not previously exist)
Harris, 50, was a longtime Packers star cornerback and spent last season as the Cowboys’ assistant head coach and defensive backs coach.
Defensive line coach
Travis Smith remains on staff
As Johnson began releasing assistants from Eberflus’ staff, he retained Smith. That could change once an defensive coordinator is hired. Johnson and Smith have no previous work experience together.
Linebackers coach
Dave Borgonzi remains on staff
As Johnson began releasing assistants from Eberflus’ staff, he retained Borgonzi. That could change once an defensive coordinator is hired. Johnson and Borgonzi have no previous work experience together.
Cornerbacks coach
Jon Hoch released from contract
Safeties coach
Andre Curtis remains on staff
As Johnson began releasing assistants from Eberflus’ staff, he retained Curtis. That could change once an defensive coordinator is hired. Johnson and Curtis have no previous work experience together.
Special teams coordinator*
Richard Hightower remains on staff
As Johnson began releasing assistants from Eberflus’ staff, he retained Hightower. Johnson also has been reported to be interested in longtime special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who was on staff with him on the Dolphins from 2012 through ’28. Hightower has been the Bears’ special-teams coordinator since 2022, but he and Johnson have no previous work experience together.
Notes:
– Positions with an asterisk require the Bears to adhere to the Rooney Rule by interviewing at least two minority candidates for coordinator positions and at least one for quarterbacks coach.
– Randle El also received title of Assistant Head Coach coming over from the Lions.
