The two people who have the greatest influence on who the Chicago Bears draft from year to year after the general manager and head coach. That isn’t expected to change with the new partnership of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson. However, make no mistake. Scouts and assistant coaches also have strong voices in the process. After all, they’re supposed to be the experts from position to position. It only makes sense they would have certain priorities for what they want.

So far, the Bears have hired five new assistants to their staff. After looking into their backgrounds, here is how each of them could influence the draft process over the next three months.

These new Chicago Bears assistants could alter the draft strategies

Declan Doyle (Offensive coordinator)

Keep an eye on: Athleticism

This one is the most difficult because the Broncos didn’t draft a single tight end during Doyle’s two years with the team as tight ends coach. The only thing to go on is who they saddled him with: Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull. One thing the two have in common is they are two plus-athletes. This falls in line with Sean Payton’s typical preferences from New Orleans. Jimmy Graham was another example. They don’t just like big guys but big guys who can move.

Dennis Allen (Defensive coordinator)

Keep an eye on: Sacks

Allen has crafted a reputation for pinpointing some outstanding defensive linemen during his years as a defensive coordinator and head coach. Von Miller, Khalil Mack, and Trey Hendrickson are three prime examples. The way he did this was pretty straightforward. How high was their college production? Miller had 33 sacks in college. Mack had 28.5, and Hendrickson had 29.5. If you want an idea of which defensive linemen the Chicago Bears could target with him on the staff, just look at the stat sheets.

J.T. Barrett (QBs coach)

Keep an eye on: Rhythm passers

Detroit drafted only one quarterback in the entire time Barrett was there as an assistant coach. That was Hendon Hooker. Based on his makeup and that of Jared Goff, it is apparent the quarterback needed to operate well with timing and rhythm from the pocket. Hooker did that well at Tennessee. Goff has, of course, done the same for years between L.A. and Detroit. Chicago won’t draft a QB high, but look for accomplished rhythm passers if they opt for one later.

Antwaan Randle El (Wide receivers)

Keep an eye on: YAC

On the surface, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are two completely different players. One is a savvy, tough slot tactician. The other is an explosive field stretcher. However, they did have one thing in common when the Lions drafted them. Both had a knack for making plays after the catch. YAC is not a category the Bears have excelled in over the past few years. Expect that to change with Randle El in town. After all, that was one of his strengths as a player in the 2000s.

Al Harris (Defensive backs)

Keep an eye on: Ball skills

After researching his background with Kansas City and Dallas, one thing became obvious about defensive backs drafted under Harris’ watch: They could take the ball away. Marcus Peters, Trevon Diggs, and DaRon Bland all had established reputations for numerous interceptions coming into the NFL. They quickly lived up to those reputations. While drafting defensive backs isn’t high on the agenda this year for Chicago, expect them to shift towards legitimate ballhawks moving forward.

The Chicago Bears shocked many in the community when they hired Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator. There are good reasons for it. He is only 28 years old, making him one of the youngest coordinators in NFL history. For another, he’s only been in the NFL for six seasons. Such inexperience would feel like a dangerous gamble in other circumstances. However, head coach Ben Johnson will be calling the plays, so this hire was more about finding somebody organized, hungry, and smart. By all accounts, Doyle has all of those traits.

Yet that isn’t the craziest part of the hire. It is who the young assistant is (and might be) related to. His father is Chris Doyle. Before 2020, he was renowned as one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in college football at the University of Iowa. However, things changed when multiple former players, including former Bears guard James Daniels, alleged that Doyle was a racist.

“There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.”

Other players came forward with awful stories of his antics. His comments were unapologetic, knowing he could get away with it given his tenure within the program. That changed following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. The scandal led to Doyle’s firing. After a brief stint in Jacksonville, he hasn’t worked in football since. Obviously, the son shouldn’t pay for the sins of the father, but it is still a wild story.

Declan Doyle has also been connected to a Bears legend.

The madness doesn’t end there. There appears to be a rumor that the young assistant is also a nephew of franchise icon Mike Ditka. The sources for this remain somewhat spotty at the moment. Still, if it’s true, that would make this story ten times better. A Ditka descendent coming home to help turn the franchise he carried to greatness in two different eras around once again. Hopefully, that will be confirmed at some point in the future. Until then, it is easy to understand Doyle’s motivations.

Not only does he love football, having grown up with it, but he’s also trying to escape the shadow of his disgraced father. He just took a massive step in that direction. Declan Doyle is rising up the ranks in the NFL. His father never made it to the big league in 30 years of coaching. Helping the Bears return to relevance would be a tremendous way to clean the tarnish off the family name. If he were Ditka’s nephew, try to imagine what it would be like if Chicago won a championship.

They’d write novels about it.

Hollywood superstar Matthew McConaughey has taken on a new role, and it’s one that Chicago Bears fans will surely appreciate. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his iconic performances in films like Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, transformed into legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka for a recent commercial that’s turning heads and sparking laughs.

The commercial, which promotes a well-known product, sees McConaughey fully embrace the persona of “Da Coach.” Donning Ditka’s signature sweater vest, aviator sunglasses, and iconic mustache, McConaughey nails the look that’s synonymous with the Hall of Fame coach who led the Bears to their 1985 Super Bowl victory. But it’s not just about the visuals—McConaughey’s delivery, complete with Ditka’s trademark intensity and Chicago swagger, brings an authenticity that’s both impressive and entertaining.

For Bears fans, this homage to Ditka taps into a deep well of nostalgia. Ditka isn’t just a former coach; he’s a cultural icon in Chicago. His fiery personality, unmistakable style, and dedication to the Bears cemented his legacy not just in the NFL, but also in the hearts of Chicagoans. McConaughey’s portrayal is a playful nod to that legacy, and it’s clear the actor had a blast stepping into Ditka’s shoes.

The Uber Eats commercial also plays on McConaughey’s well-known charisma, blending it seamlessly with Ditka’s larger-than-life personality. The juxtaposition of McConaughey’s laid-back Texas charm with Ditka’s no-nonsense demeanor creates a humorous contrast that elevates the ad’s entertainment value. Fans on social media have already begun sharing clips and praising McConaughey’s take on the legendary coach, with some even jokingly calling for a full-length movie featuring McConaughey as Ditka.

This isn’t the first time McConaughey has stepped into the sports world. The actor, who has long been vocal about his love for sports, serves as the Minister of Culture for his alma mater, the University of Texas, and is often seen at Longhorns football games. His connection to sports and ability to bring energy to any role make him a natural fit for this latest project.

The choice of Ditka as the inspiration for the commercial is a testament to the enduring appeal of the former Bears coach. Nearly four decades after leading Chicago to football glory, Ditka remains a beloved figure. From his fiery sideline antics to his classic Chicago accent, he embodies the grit and determination that fans associate with the Bears. By channeling Ditka, McConaughey not only honors a football legend but also bridges the gap between sports and entertainment in a way that resonates with a broad audience.

As the ad continues to gain traction, it’s clear that McConaughey’s take on “Da Coach” has struck a chord. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears fan or simply someone who appreciates a clever commercial, this collaboration is a touchdown. And while McConaughey may not be ready to trade Hollywood for the sidelines, his portrayal of Mike Ditka is one for the books.

Once the Jacksonville Jaguars fumbled the ball by refusing to fire Trent Baalke immediately, most felt the Chicago Bears were in the driver’s seat for Ben Johnson. It made sense. They had a talented roster, cap space, draft picks, and a young quarterback the coach seemed to like. However, things took a drastic turn when reports surfaced that the Raiders, led by new part-owner Tom Brady, were spearheading an effort to lure Johnson to Las Vegas. At one point in time, the entire national media were convinced he was going there.

Then, 48 hours after the Detroit Lions were eliminated from the playoffs, Johnson signed with the Bears. So what the hell happened?

Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron spoke with the coach’s agent, Rick Smith, about how the process unfolded. He revealed some incredible details. It turns out he and Johnson never really considered Las Vegas a viable landing spot. However, Brady’s aggressive pitch convinced them to at least take an interview. As for the media blitz, Smith admitted he didn’t bother trying to downplay it since it only served to help his client’s market.

Nobody should blame Ben Johnson for using his leverage.

Smith knew that letting the Raiders buzz grow would make other teams interested in Johnson nervous, inevitably driving up the price of his services. This is how players do it all the time. It is the price of doing business. The Bears knew they couldn’t risk letting money get in the way of getting their guy, so they made sure to put an offer on the table that Ben Johnson and his agent would find acceptable. Rumors are it’s somewhere around $13 million per year, which is by far the most a first-time head coach has ever received. This is a great peek behind the curtain at how agents treat rumors. They assess which ones are harmful and which can be beneficial and react accordingly. It is another reminder of how much of an impact the media can have on negotiations.

The Bears are hiring former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their next defensive coordinator. Many around the league expected Dennis Allen to land in Chicago as it has been rumored right from when the Bears hired Ben Johnson. The ability to land Allen to his coaching staff has been praised by many around the NFL. So with that let’s take a second to learn who Dennis Allen is.

It's official.

The Bears are hiring former Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their new defensive coordinator.

Great acquisition by Ben Johnson who continues to build a fantastic coaching staff.

— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 27, 2025

Last Position:

Allen, 52, most recently served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from the start of the 2022 season until his firing after a Week 9 loss in 2023.

Previous Head Coaching Experience:

Allen was previously the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2014.

Defensive Coordinator Roles:

Allen has served as a defensive coordinator twice:

2011: Denver Broncos

2015-2021: New Orleans Saints

Defensive Success:

Under Allen’s leadership, the Saints defense ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in both points and yards allowed in his final two seasons as defensive coordinator (2019-2021) and his first season as head coach in 2022.

From 2017-2023, Allen’s defenses never ranked lower than 14th in points allowed.

Impact on the Saints Defense:

Allen turned a bottom-tier defense into a top-7 unit, which contributed to the Saints making four straight playoff appearances.

Reputation as a Defensive Play Caller:

Known for his aggressive defense, Allen’s units are particularly very successful on 3rd downs.

Best Trait:

Allen is widely regarded as a great teacher, known for his ability to develop players and improve defensive performance.

Shocking Details Revealed About Ben Johnson And The Bears Deal

Ben Johnson has put together a coaching staff packed with experience and a winning pedigree. One of the most notable additions is 28-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. While the hire has raised some eyebrows, many view it as an intriguing and potentially brilliant move. This decision gives Johnson a chance to infuse youthful energy into the staff and possibly shape Doyle into the next offensive mastermind. Though it’s a bit of a gamble, it feels like a calculated risk given the strength of the other hires. Now, let’s dive in and learn more about Declan Doyle.

Family Background:

• Doyle is the son of Chris Doyle, the former strength and conditioning coach for the Iowa football program.

Education and Early Experience:

• Served as a student assistant at Iowa from 2016 to 2018.
• Graduated from Iowa in 2018.

Coaching Career:

• Began his coaching journey with Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints.
• Worked as an offensive assistant for the Saints from 2019 to 2022.
• Followed Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos, where he served as the tight ends coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Connection to Dan Campbell

• Worked with Dan Campbell, now the head coach of the Detroit Lions, during their time in New Orleans from 2019 to 2020.

Reputation:

• Declan Doyle was loved inside the Broncos building. Doyle is regarded as an up-and-coming offensive mind in the NFL coaching scene.

Shocking Details Revealed About Ben Johnson And The Bears Deal