A new era has begun in Chicago as the hiring of former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson looks more and more like a slam dunk hire. Johnson, one of the NFL’s most prestigious and sought-after coordinators, landed the Chicago Bears head coaching job earlier last week. Johnson brings years of experience and worked his way up the NFL coaching ladder from a quality control assistant to a position coach and then a coordinator before finally being promoted as the Bears’ 18th full-time head coach in franchise history.

When a new coach takes over a franchise, one his most important jobs is assembling a strong coaching staff. Johnson has hired the following coaches as of the writing of this article and the formation of these men, will directly impact the development of not only the franchise but also second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

Coaching Staff: 

Assistant Head Coach/ Wide Receivers: Antwaan Randle El 

Coach Antwaan Randle El joins the Bears a the team’s assistant head and wide receivers coach. Randle El is a former NFL athlete who turned to coaching in 2019 as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Randle El worked his way up the coaching ladder like Johnson and was recently the wide receivers coach with the Detroit Lions. The 45-year-old assistant coached and directly grew the development of All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown along with up-and-coming receiver Jameson Williams. He will instantly impact the offensive production and help a young receiving corps that includes a promising athlete in Rome Odunze.

Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/ DBs Coach: Al Harris

Coach Al Harris joins the Bears as the team’s pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Harris is a former NFL athlete who turned to coaching in 2012 as an intern with the Miami Dolphins. Harris worked his way up the coaching ladder like Johnson did and was recently the assistant head and defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. The 50-year-old assistant has worked with the likes of defensive backs Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, where the two players under his guidance set franchise records and were named First-Team All Pro and even reached the Pro Bowl multiple times. He will instantly impact the Bears’ secondary in 2025 and will work with several athletes such as promising cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Quarterbacks Coach: J.T. Barrett 

Coach J.T. Barrett joins the Bears as the team’s quarterbacks coach. Barrett is a former collegiate National Champion quarterback with The Ohio State University (2014) and will directly impact the growth and development of second-year franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. Barrett is a newer assistant coach and this will be his first time being a full-time assistant. The 30-year-old assistant was recently with the Detroit Lions and started his journey in 2022 as an offensive assistant. He is valued and well-liked and Johnson poached him from Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions. The ultimate goal with Barrett is to develop Williams and get him back on track in year two.

Wrap-Up: 

This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era in Chicago. With these initial hires, Ben Johnson is assembling a staff with a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. The focus will soon shift to the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency, where Johnson will continue to build a roster capable of competing for the playoffs and ultimately the Super Bowl.