Ben Johnson is busy piecing together his new coaching staff. He must work quickly as Senior Bowl week is right around the corner, and the Chicago Bears will want everybody to attend. So far, they’ve added some intriguing names like Al Harris, Antwaan Randle El, and J.T. Barrett. However, the real intrigue for most is what Johnson plans to do at the coordinator positions. Based on the latest information available, it looks like there are two favorites for the jobs. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is expected to become the new defensive coordinator, while former Stanford head coach David Shaw is gaining momentum for the offensive coordinator spot.
There is a lot of logic behind these choices, assuming they prove true. Both have been head coaches before. They understand the pitfalls of the job and can provide much-needed experience for a first-time coach like Johnson to lean on. However, there is another layer that people should realize. Shaw and Allen should also prove huge assets in the upcoming off-season due to their track records for evaluating talent at specific positions.
Namely the offensive and defensive lines.
The Chicago Bears could be well-equipped for what is coming.
Shaw was the head coach at Stanford from 2011 through 2024. During that time, he sent multiple future starters on the offensive line to the NFL, including eventual Pro Bowlers like David DeCastro and Andrus Peat. Cameron Fleming, Walker Little, and Drew Dalman were others. Given how weak the Bears’ offensive line has been in recent years, they need all the help they can get to fix it. Shaw is experienced enough and has enough college contacts to get pointed towards the players they need.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Allen might be even more impressive. He’s been a defensive coordinator or head coach since 2011. Here is a list of defensive linemen drafted when he held either of those spots:
- Von Miller
- Khalil Mack
- Shelby Harris
- Sheldon Rankins
- Trey Hendrickson
- Marcus Davenport
- Bryan Bresee
This shouldn’t be a surprise. Allen has been a defensive line coach at previous points in his career. Still, it’s obvious he has a sharp eye for good players. The Chicago Bears need that in what is a crucial off-season. GM Ryan Poles said he constantly collaborates with the coaches to find the right guys. If Allen and Shaw become the coordinators of choice, it will be a boon for the franchise.
