Have the Chicago Bears ever had an elite coaching staff? Not for a long time. The last time it may have qualified for that was when George Halas still patrolled the sidelines and had guys like George Allen among his assistants in the 1960s. Since then, the organization has had good staffs during the Mike Ditka and Lovie Smith eras, but never one that truly stood out as special. It is way too early to know if the one Ben Johnson has put together will finally reach that upper echelon.
However, former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes this group has the best shot to do it. He told 670 The Score that he is beyond impressed with the staff Johnson has put together. It starts with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, whom Bowen considers among the league’s best. Add Antwaan Randle El, Al Harris, Eric Bieniemy, and Dan Roushar, and it’s a group rich with experience and proven track records. People don’t understand how good this staff can be.
“So as much as I love Ben Johnson, I think it’s a home run hire. Don’t forget about what they just did on the defensive side of the ball right here. Because they’re building a coaching staff – I’m telling you right now – they are building a coaching staff that can be one of the best in the NFL, including guys like Antwaan Randle El, Al Harris. This is an outstanding coaching staff, outstanding coaching. Now granted, we all know they have to play well on Sundays. We get that. But what they’re doing right now, this is the best they can do right now. I’m telling you, they are making a statement to the league with these hires.”
The Chicago Bears finally went away from their old ways.
A trend that became common for them over the past decade was opting for a head coach with zero hype and questionable connections. Marc Trestman hadn’t been in the league for almost a decade when he took over in 2013. His biggest hire was Mel Tucker as defensive coordinator. John Fox did manage to lure Vic Fangio to Chicago, but his offensive additions weren’t anything special. Matt Nagy was the same. He inherited Fangio and failed to replace him after he left in 2019. The offensive staff was turned over twice.
Things have changed. It would be a story if one assistant Johnson hired had head coaching buzz. He seems to have added three with Randle El, Harris, and young offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Bieniemy, too, had buzz around him not too long ago. The Chicago Bears have credibility on their staff for the first time in years. If these guys live up to their reputations, this team is about to get much better in 2025 and beyond.
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Sure is nice to have a real General Manager and not a ‘bean counter’ like Teddy Phillips …
One thing for sure (for me) was the beginning of the 2024 season. I had never been that hyped for the Bears ever. I’m 54, so 1985 I wasn’t the cognitive mind I am now. So, last year I was imagining the most amazing things like so many. And ya know what, they still weren’t that bad. That’s MY opinion, so no sarcasm needed. I’ve always said you simply can’t gauge momentum. You don’t know how long/short/good/bad….you just don’t. That Hail Mary against Washington setoff a momentous run that I’ve NEVER witnessed. After the season, I said I needed a… Read more »
Hey Erik —
It would be interesting if your “insiders” would provide some information on precisely who is doing what, at Halas Hall.
It seems that HC Ben has been the complete driving force behind all the changes.
What have Kevin Warren, Ryan Poles, and Ian Cunningham actually done — except watch in amazement?
I thought “watching” was what George McCaskey had promised to do — and we’re all grateful for that!
Eberflus knew about the defensive side of the ball. He knew little to nothing about the offensive side and was in over his head on the being the head. It’s refreshing to know and see the names Johnson has put together. He just seems to be smart and energetic where he will be into the game and responding to every situation.
So far so good. Poles and the team did a great job in landing the best coaches they possibly could get. Now they must land the best possible draft picks and free agents. If we nail this off season there is 0 reason we should win less then 9 games next season.