The Chicago Bears are already dealing with one of the biggest hurdles teams face when attempting to sustain success.
Less than one week into their offseason planning, the Bears are feeling the heat from the outside. They are confident in what they have, including their core figures. But this is new territory for everyone involved.
How it all plays out will have a tremendous impact on next season as this one rolls on.
Bears Hit With Cold Reality Check as Offseason Begins
Bears Talent Drain Starting
The Bears received official word of the first defection from head coach Ben Johnson’s coaching staff, with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy following through on reports of his return to his previous post as offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Unfortunately for the Bears, Bieniemy might just be the first member of Johnson’s celebrated staff to leave for a promotion.
Bears secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator Al Harris could soon follow.
“Packers interviewed defensive backs coach Al Harris today for their defensive coordinator job,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a post on X on January 21, in what would be a veritable homecoming for Harris.
He spent seven seasons as a player with the Packers from 2003 through 2009, earning both of his Pro Bowl trips in that span.
Even if Harris doesn’t join the Bears’ arch rivals, he could still find a DC role elsewhere.
“Bears passing game coordinator Al Harris is interviewing for the Commanders defensive coordinator position, per source,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in a separate post on X on January 21.
The Bears are hiring former Boston College offensive coordinator Will Lawing, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz on January 20, but it is unclear in what capacity.
Eagles head coach Bill O’Brien confirmed Lawing’s exit from the program.
Bears Bring Back Super Bowl Champion’s Son
The Bears made a roster move on Wednesday, with Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles closing out the season with their final media availability of the campaign. The Bears will begin preparations for the new league year, starting with free agency in March.
In the meantime, the Bears have been retaining players on reserve/future contracts.
The latest is tight end Qadir Ismail, a converted wide receiver who spent the latter portion of the season on the team’s practice squad and, unfortunately, on injured reserve. He is also the son of Super Bowl champion Qadree Ismail.
The Bears’ tight end room is a strength, with Nikola Kalinic and Stephen Carlson also among the early re-signees. They lean on multi-tight-end personnel, so having as many around as possible for the offseason program is prudent and exactly what the Bears did last season.
