The Chicago Bears have to be bracing for more turnover this offseason, both on the roster and the coaching staff under Ben Johnson.
They have already suffered the first blow. The Kansas City Chiefs hired now-former Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to be their offensive coordinator again. Bienemy helped guide a group that ranked third in the NFL in rushing during the 2025 regular season.
The next blow could very well come on the other side of the ball with Al Harris.
Al Harris Could Be Next Bears Coach Out Door This Offseason
Bears Assistant Al Harris Linked to Another Vacancy
Harris joined the Bears during the 2025 offseason, coming over after a five-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. He was available to join the Bears due to the housecleaning that led to his former boss, Mike McCarthy, being fired.
McCarthy, who interviewed for the Bears’ HC job and to whom Harris has ties after playing for the coach as a member of the Green Bay Packers, has resurfaced in the HC chair with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers could also re-sign with the Steelers this offseason.
That re-emergence (and Rodgers’ potential return) could be bad news for the Bears.
“I’d keep a keen eye on Al Harris coming in as the Steelers defensive coordinator,” “The Pat McAfee Show” correspondent Mark Kaboly posted on X on January 24. “Harris is currently the DB coach/defensive pass game coordinator with the Bears.”
Harris has also been linked to the Packers’ DC vacancy (with Jeff Hafley taking over as head coach of the Miami Dolphins) and the Washington Commanders’.
The Bears led the NFL in interceptions during the regular season, and Harris was a key.
Knowing how much of an impact Harris had, seeing him depart for the Steelers would surely be a welcome alternative to landing with the Packers. That is, if he leaves at all. Notably, though, the Bears also led the NFL in interceptions in 2023.
The loss of Harris would sting. Still, the Bears can be successful in the same ways under someone else.
That someone could be assistant defensive backs/safeties coach Matt Giordano.
Bears Facing New Reality
The Bears have also already seen offensive coordinator Declan Doyle draw attention. Because Johnson calls the plays, there is less concern about his potential departure. The Bears’ biggest issue could ultimately be the cumulative effect of losing multiple coaches at once.
With Johnson and DC Dennis Allen still in place, the schemes will remain the same on both sides of the ball.
How the scheme is broken down to players will be different, though.
As of now, it is only the running back room that is facing that reality. But the Bears could have to navigate those waters with other position groups as the offseason progresses. How they adjust to that is key, right along with getting the proper personnel in place on the field.