Bears HC Ben Johnson Prepared to Lose Al Harris to Coordinator Job

Chicago's defensive backs coach is in high demand after leading the league's top secondary in 2026.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Bears defensive secondary formation, with the players' bodies and uniforms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, orange, and green tones, capturing the energy and intensity of the team's defensive play.The Bears' secondary, led by defensive backs coach Al Harris, has been a key part of the team's defensive resurgence, with players like Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright emerging as stars.Chicago Today

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that he expects to lose defensive backs coach Al Harris to a defensive coordinator job at some point, despite Harris' desire to remain in Chicago. Harris was a key part of the Bears' defensive success in 2026, helping the team lead the league in takeaways and interceptions.

Why it matters

Retaining top assistant coaches is crucial for the Bears as they look to build on their defensive success and compete in the NFC North. Losing Harris would be a significant blow, but Johnson seems prepared for the eventuality as Harris continues to draw interest from other teams for coordinator roles.

The details

In his first season with the Bears, defensive backs coach Al Harris helped the team's secondary thrive, with safety Kevin Byard leading the NFL in interceptions and cornerback Nahshon Wright earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite Harris interviewing for coordinator jobs with the Packers, Commanders and Titans this offseason, the Bears were able to keep him in Chicago for 2026. However, head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that it's only a matter of time before Harris gets that promotion to a coordinator role elsewhere.

  • In the 2026 offseason, Al Harris interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs with the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans.

The players

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who is prepared to lose defensive backs coach Al Harris to a coordinator job at some point.

Al Harris

The defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears, who was in high demand for coordinator jobs this offseason but decided to remain in Chicago for 2026.

Kevin Byard

The Bears' starting safety, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2026 under the coaching of Al Harris.

Nahshon Wright

The Bears' starting cornerback, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2026 after leading the league in takeaways.

Coby Bryant

A new safety added to the Bears' secondary in 2026, who will look to build on the unit's success under Al Harris' coaching.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely, it's just a matter of time before he gets that coordinator job. I know he felt very strongly about coming back in Chicago as well. He had a great time last year. Once again, I don't want to speak for him, but he and I had great conversations in terms of his role and his value for us. I think he knows that he's a big reason for our success.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Bears will look to retain Al Harris for as long as possible, but they know it's likely only a matter of time before he gets a defensive coordinator job elsewhere.

The takeaway

Keeping top assistant coaches is crucial for the Bears as they look to build on their defensive success. While the team was able to hold onto Al Harris for 2026, his impressive work with the secondary has made him a hot commodity for coordinator jobs, and the Bears know they may soon lose him to another team.