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Explore the 2025 Chicago Bears coaching staff led by Ben Johnson, including key hires like Dennis Allen and Declan Doyle. Discover changes, bios, and impacts on Caleb Williams.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Bears staff marks an offensive overhaul under Ben Johnson, aiming to boost QB Caleb Williams after a tough 2024.
- Key upgrades include experienced coordinators Dennis Allen on defense and Declan Doyle on offense, mixing youth and vets.
- Ranked 22nd by ESPN, the staff addresses past instability but faces questions on Johnson’s first-time head coach role.
- Focusing on player development could end the Bears’ playoff drought since 2020.
- Historical context shows this as the 18th head coach era, with potential for revival like the 1985 Super Bowl team.
2025 Bears Coaching Staff Guide
Think about how frustrating it was last year watching the Bears stumble through a 5-12 season. Fans like you and me were yelling at the TV, wondering why the plays weren’t clicking. Well, fast forward to now, and the Chicago Bears coaching staff for 2025 feels like a fresh start. With Ben Johnson at the helm, this group is built to turn things around, especially for young stars like Caleb Williams. Let’s walk through who these coaches are and why they matter.
Staff Overview and Changes
The Bears wrapped up their staff hires back in February, putting together a team of 28 coaches focused on balance. You’ve got Ben Johnson as head coach, Declan Doyle handling offensive coordinator duties, Dennis Allen on defense, and Richard Hightower sticking around for special teams. Other key spots include Antwaan Randle El as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, J.T. Barrett for quarterbacks, Eric Bieniemy on running backs, and Al Harris coordinating the pass game on defense.
Compared to 2024, this is a big shift. Last year started with Matt Eberflus, but he got fired mid-season after a 4-8 start, and interim coach Thomas Brown went 1-4 to close it out. The old staff struggled with slow starts and poor adjustments, leading to 68 sacks allowed a franchise record. Now, with Johnson’s crew, the emphasis is on offense, drawing from his time with the Lions, where they scored a league-high 564 points in 2024. Preseason showed promise, with the offense piling up 1,247 yards and tying for the NFC lead in first downs.
Picture a fan at a tailgate, chatting about how the Bears finally have coaches who get modern football. That’s the vibe, hopeful, but grounded after mixed preseason results like a 1-1-1 record.
Head Coach Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson steps in as the Bears’ 18th head coach, fresh from his role as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. He joined Detroit in 2019 and turned their attack into a top-5 unit by 2024, known for creative plays that mix runs and passes. At 39, he’s young, but his track record speaks volumes about making quick decisions that keep defenses guessing.
His biggest strength? Building around quarterbacks. In Detroit, he helped Jared Goff throw for over 4,500 yards multiple times. But as a first-time head coach, there’s that nagging worry about handling the full team, like clock management or tough losses. During preseason, Johnson pushed for discomfort, saying, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” and it showed in how the starters executed early drives.
Imagine you’re Johnson, stepping into Halas Hall after years of Bears’ coaching turnover. He’s already got players buzzing, with tight end Cole Kmet noting how different the energy feels compared to past years. For fans tired of the same old struggles, Johnson’s approach could be the spark.
Offensive Coordinators
Declan Doyle takes the offensive coordinator spot, coming from the Broncos, where he coached tight ends. He’s all about the pass game, helping create mismatches that open up the field. Working under Johnson, who calls the play,s this duo aims to fix the Bears’ 20th-ranked passing from last year.
Supporting them are folks like Antwaan Randle El, a former player turned coach who handles wideouts and assists as head coach. J.T. Barrett, the quarterback coach, brings his Ohio State experience to mentor Williams. Eric Bieniemy, known from his Chiefs days, coaches running backs, focusing on a balanced attack.
In preseason, this group clicked, with efficient plays leading to 82 first downs. But challenges popped up, like presnap penalties that Johnson called out. Think of it like baking a cake—if the ingredients are right but you mess the timing, it flops. Doyle’s tweaks could help smooth that out.
Defensive Coordinators
Dennis Allen brings 30 years of know-how as defensive coordinator, fresh from head coaching the Saints. His style is aggressive, pushing for turnovers and pressure without overcomplicating things. He replaces the Eberflus era’s focus, aiming for a unit that ranked low in sacks last year.
Key helpers include Al Harris, who coordinates the pass game and coaches defensive backs—he elevated the Cowboys’ secondary before. Jeremy Garrett handles the defensive line, Richard Smith the linebackers, and folks like Cannon Matthews add depth with nickel coverage.
Preseason reviews were positive, with the defense looking locked in and re-energized. Allen’s man coverage is riskier, but it could pay off against tough NFC North offenses. Picture a secondary carving up passes like they did in camp—fans hope it translates to games.
Special Teams and Support
Richard Hightower stays on as special teams coordinator, providing some continuity amid all the changes. He’s been with the Bears since 2022, focusing on reliable kicks and returns. His unit avoided major blunders last year, and he’s building on that.
The strength and conditioning team, led by Pierre Ngo, rounds it out, with assistants like Noble Landry keeping players fit. This support helps cut down injuries, a pain point from 2024.
Compared to last year’s interim chaos, this feels stable. Hightower’s retention means no full reset on specials, which is smart for a team rebuilding.
Impact on Key Players
This staff’s biggest job? Getting the most from Caleb Williams. Under Johnson and Barrett, he’s worked on quick releases and reading defenses. Preseason showed decisiveness, with sharp throws to receivers like Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland. Tips for Williams: Focus on footwork to avoid sacks—last year’s 68 were brutal.
On defense, Allen’s schemes suit Montez Sweat and Tremaine Edmunds, emphasizing pressure. But edge rush worries linger, with calls for more depth like adding Za’Darius Smith. For the offensive line, Dan Roushar pushes fundamentals to protect Williams better.
Imagine Williams dropping back, scanning the field with confidence—that’s the goal. Pain points like left tackle uncertainty? Coaches are drilling protections to fix it.
Comparisons to Past Staff
Stack this against 2024, and it’s night and day. Eberflus’ defensive mind led to a 10-24 record overall, with bad play-calling and six-game skids. Johnson’s offense-first approach echoes Mike Ditka’s 1985 success, where balance won a Super Bowl.
Historically, the Bears have 798 wins all-time, but no playoffs since 2020. This staff could climb to the top 15 if Williams shines, but inexperience risks a slow start. Preseason momentum is good, but remember last year’s perfect preseason led nowhere.
Think of it like upgrading your old car—the new one drives smoother, but you still need to learn the quirks.
Trends and Future Outlook
Trends point to hype around this “star-studded” staff, with outside reviews upbeat. ESPN’s 22nd ranking tempers it, noting the Bears face the second-hardest offenses by EPA/play. Johnson’s Lions turnaround from 0-16 vibes to playoffs offers a blueprint.
Outlook? Analysts predict 8-9 wins, with success meaning playoffs. Case in point: Preseason resilience earned a B grade despite ups and downs. Fans on X are split, excited for Johnson but wary of edges on both lines.
Practical Tips for Fans
Want to make sense of this? Track preseason highlights for scheme hints, like how Loveland and Kmet create problems. Join Reddit threads for breakdown,s it’s where real talks happen.
To ease worries about instability:
- Watch Williams’ protection drills; quick throws beat bad lines.
- Follow official updates on chicagobears.com for injury news.
- Engage on X for sentiment—search “Bears coaching staff 2025” to see trends.
If left tackle bugs you, remember mid-season tweaks could help. Stay patient; this staff needs time.
Apply this staff knowledge to follow the Bears’ revival—check official updates for real-time insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Bears’ head coach in 2025?
Ben Johnson leads the Chicago Bears as head coach in 2025, stepping up from his role as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. He’s known for turning around offenses with smart play-calling, helping Jared Goff thrive in Detroit. For the Bears, his focus is on developing Caleb Williams and creating a balanced attack. Fans are excited about his energy, but his lack of head coaching experience means he’ll need to prove himself in tough spots like game management. Overall, it’s a fresh start after last year’s mess.
What changes were made to the Bears’ staff?
The Bears made sweeping changes for 2025, firing Matt Eberflus mid-2024 and bringing in Ben Johnson as head coach. They added Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator from the Saints and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator. Richard Hightower was retained for special teams stability. Other hires include J.T. Barrett for quarterbacks and Al Harris for defensive backs. This shifts from a defensive focus to offense, addressing last year’s poor adjustments and 5-12 record. It’s all about rebuilding with experience and youth.
Who coaches Bears QB Caleb Williams?
J.T. Barrett coaches quarterback Caleb Williams, working under head coach Ben Johnson. Barrett, a former Ohio State star, emphasizes decision-making and mechanics to help Williams grow after a rocky rookie year. In preseason, Williams showed sharpness with quick releases. The setup includes tips like reading progressions faster to cut sacks. This duo aims to unlock Williams’ potential, drawing from Johnson’s success with quarterbacks in Detroit. It’s a key piece for the Bears’ turnaround hopes.
Is the Bears staff ranked highly?
ESPN ranks the 2025 Bears staff 22nd overall, praising the offensive upgrades but noting unproven elements like Johnson’s inexperience. Strengths include Dennis Allen’s defensive expertise and a “star-studded” mix of vets. Preseason reviews are positive, with the offense clicking efficiently. However, concerns linger on edges and line depth. Compared to last year’s chaos, it’s an improvement, but rankings suggest room to climb with on-field results. Fans see potential for top-15 if it gels.
What is Dennis Allen’s role?
Dennis Allen serves as defensive coordinator for the 2025 Bears, bringing aggressive schemes from his time as Saints head coach. He focuses on pressure and turnovers, shifting to more man coverage for higher rewards. Assistants like Al Harris help with the secondary. Preseason showed a re-energized unit, but risks include getting carved up without enough rush. His 30 years of experience replace Eberflus’s divided attention, aiming to fix last year’s low sack totals. It’s a solid fit for stars like Montez Sweat.
How does the 2025 staff compare to 2the 024?
The 2025 staff is a major upgrade from 2024’s defensive-minded group under Eberflus, who went 10-24 with poor play-calling. Johnson’s offense-first approach adds hype, with hires like Doyle and Allen blending innovation and experience. Preseason offense was efficient versus last year’s struggles, but inexperience is a risk. Stats show better yards and first downs early on. Overall, it’s more balanced and energetic, addressing instability, though fans worry about edges. It echoes past successful eras like 1985.
