The Chicago Bears took care of Job 1: finding their next head coach by hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Now, Johnson must assemble his staff, and that process is already underway by all accounts. Clocker Sports relayed the Bears’ rumored interest in former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen for defensive coordinator.
Allen’s interim replacement, Darren Rizzi, has been linked as an option for special teams.
However, there has been far less chatter about potential offensive coordinators. It will be a unique role under Johnson who, while nothing has been confirmed, figures to call plays next season. Here are some options that make sense to fill the role.
Bears OC: 15 Candidates That Make Sense for Ben Johnson’s Staff
Tier 1: The Inner Circle
This group of coaches makes the most sense if Johnson is attempting to have as seamless of an installment process as possible. If they are not going to be calling plays, this person’s biggest role will be communicating the vision to the players.
Mark Brunell – QB Coach – DET: A former Green Bay Packers quarterback and a Super Bowl champion in New Orleans, he has worked with Johnson for the past four seasons.
Hank Fraley – OL Coach – DET: A current popular speculative choice with eight seasons in Detroit, he had a 10-year career at center and could be the favorite to replace Johnson to prevent his exit.
Antwaan Randle El – WR Coach: Chicago area native, he has nine years of playing experience at wide receiver and has been vital to both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Mike Evans’ development.
Tier 2: Coaches With Chops
These coaches have shown something in their current or previous capacities.
Ken Dorsey – FA: Designed top-6 scoring offenses in 2022 and 2023 in Buffalo before being ousted and moving on to a complicated single season in Cleveland.
Byron Leftwich – FA: Leftwich helped Tom Brady – we know how much respect Caleb Williams has for him – win a Super Bowl and he played the position.
Ronald Curry – QB Coach – BUF: Curry has coached quarterbacks since 2021 and has seen strong turnaround performances for Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, and, most notably, Josh Allen.
Josh McCown – QB Coach – MIN: Former Bears and long-time NFL quarterback who has never called plays but did receive head coaching interviews in 2022.
Tier 3: Names to Watch
Unlikely candidates, but those with budding resumes.
Tee Martin – QB Coach – BAL: Lamar Jackson had Martin to work with during his potential MVP season.
Jerrod Johnson – QB Coach – HOU: Being near CJ Stroud shows well on a resume, and Johnson has that.
Davis Webb – QB Coach – DEN: Ex-QB who has had the privilege of learning under former lockout Bear Sean Payton.
Bobby Engram – WR Coach – WAS: Former Bears wideout who got the most out of an underrated group of players in 2024.
Doug Nussmeier – QB Coach – PHI: Former QB who had 3 different players look at least serviceable for the Eagles.
J.T. Barrett – Asst. QB Coach – DET: Young, but he could be a savvy poach for Johnson.
Tier 4: Former Bears Who Made Good
Seen them before, but things are different now.
Aaron Kromer – OL Coach – BUF: Not a likely candidate, but the Bills’ protection has been solid.
Dave Ragone – QB Coach – LAR: Another unlikely candidate who was with the team before, the Sean McVay tree remains respected.
The amount of former quarterbacks and offensive linemen on this list is not accidental. With the ex-QBs especially, the Bears need someone who can give Williams the attention he will not be able to as head coach. If not, they better be sure his protection is in order.
