socerstreams
Who are the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff? Led by Ben Johnson. Learn about key hires like Declan Doyle and Dennis Allen, their roles, and how they plan to turn the Bears around after a tough 2024.
Hey Bears fans, are you curious about who’s calling the shots at Halas Hall for the 2025 season? After a rough 2024 with a 5-12 record and a franchise-record 68 sacks allowed, the Chicago Bears coaching staff got a major overhaul. Enter Ben Johnson, the new head coach, and a fresh crew ready to spark a turnaround. Let’s break down who’s on the team, what they bring to the table, and how they’re set to help the Bears roar back into contention. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll learn:
- New leadership: Ben Johnson, a former Lions offensive guru, leads a revamped staff.
- Key coordinators: Declan Doyle and Dennis Allen bring fresh ideas to offence and defence.
- Player focus: The staff is built to protect and develop QB Caleb Williams.
- Special teams stability: Richard Hightower stays on for consistency.
- Playoff potential: This crew could push the Bears toward NFC North contention.
who are the chicago bears coaching staff?
Picture this: you’re a Bears fan, still stinging from last season’s 5-12 flop and Matt Eberflus’ mid-season exit—the first time the Bears ever fired a head coach during the season. Then, on January 21, 2025, the Bears drop big news: Ben Johnson, the mastermind behind the Lions’ top-scoring offense, is the new head coach. It’s a bold move, signaling a shift toward an offensive-minded approach, something the NFL’s been leaning into with high-scoring games dominating the league. This new staff of 28 coaches is all about fixing past mistakes, like the Bears’ shaky offensive line and porous red-zone defense, while boosting young stars like Caleb Williams. Let’s meet the key players.
Head Coach: Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson, at just 38, steps into his first head-coaching gig after turning the Detroit Lions’ offense into a juggernaut from 2022 to 2024. Imagine a coach so obsessed with details that players like Bears tight end Cole Kmet can’t stop raving about it: “It’s like an obsession with the details,” Kmet said. Johnson’s Lions led the NFL in scoring in 2024 with 564 points, and now he’s bringing that magic to Chicago. His style? Relentless preparation and holding players accountable—something fans felt was missing under Eberflus, who ended with a dismal 14-34 record. Johnson’s already promising to avoid the “bad football” he’s seen in his career, setting the stage for a disciplined, high-energy Bears team.
Offensive Coordinators and Staff
Declan Doyle, Offensive Coordinator
Meet Declan Doyle, the NFL’s youngest offensive coordinator at 28. Fresh from coaching tight ends for the Denver Broncos, Doyle’s got a big job: revamp an offense that let Caleb Williams get sacked 68 times in 2024—a franchise record. His play-calling leans on motion and creativity, perfect for unlocking receivers like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Want a tip? Keep an eye on training camp clips for early looks at Doyle’s tricky formations that could make Bears games a lot more fun to watch.
Position Coaches Breakdown
The offensive assistants are a mix of fresh faces and proven names, all focused on protecting Williams and boosting the run game. Here’s who’s who:
- Quarterbacks: JT Barrett: A former Ohio State star, Barrett’s now molding Williams after helping Lions QB Jared Goff shine (4,942 passing yards in 2024). His player-turned-coach vibe connects with young QBs.
- Offensive Line: Dan Roushar: With years under Sean Payton, Roushar’s tasked with fixing the line that crumbled last season. Expect drills to shore up pass protection.
- Wide Receivers: Antwaan Randle-El: A Super Bowl champ as a player, Randle-El doubles as assistant head coach, bringing route-running expertise to Moore and Odunze.
- Running Backs: Eric Bieniemy: With the Chiefs’ championship pedigree, he’s set to elevate D’Andre Swift’s game.
- Pass Game Coordinator: Press Taylor: Previously with the Jaguars, Taylor’s scheming to boost the Bears’ 24th-ranked passing attack from 2024.
Compared to 2024’s revolving door of offensive coordinators (Luke Getsy, Shane Waldron, Thomas Brown), this group feels like a cohesive unit built for stability and growth.
Defensive Coordinators and Staff
Dennis Allen, Defensive Coordinator
Dennis Allen, with over 30 years of coaching, is the veteran anchor of this staff. After leading the Saints as head coach (2022-2024), he’s now crafting a defense that’s all about aggression. Think relentless blitzes to rattle quarterbacks like Jordan Love or Jared Goff. The Bears’ defense wasn’t awful in 2024 third in opponent red-zone touchdown rate at 46%—but Allen’s schemes aim to make it elite. He’s already talking “aggressive” as his keyword, which could mean big things for stars like Jaylon Johnson.
Key Defensive Assistants
The defensive crew is stacked with experience and player-coach connections:
- Defensive Backs: Al Harris – A former Pro Bowl corner, Harris coached All-Pro DBs in Dallas and now guides Bears standouts like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon.
- Linebackers: Richard Smith – With stints as a coordinator for three NFL teams, Smith’s a steady hand for Montez Sweat’s crew.
- Defensive Line: Jeremy Garrett – Fresh from Jacksonville, Garrett’s coached units with 9+ sacks per player, a boon for Gervon Dexter.
- Safeties: Matt Giordano – A former Saint under Allen, he’s sharpening Kevin Byard’s game.
Pro tip: If you’re facing a fantasy football draft, watch how Allen’s aggressive calls boost the Bears’ secondary for IDP leagues.
Special Teams and Support Staff
Richard Hightower, Special Teams Coordinator
Richard Hightower’s the one constant in this shake-up, back for his fourth season leading special teams. His 2024 unit ranked fifth in DVOA, with three players earning Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Hightower’s focus on returns and coverage should keep the Bears competitive in field position battles. If you’re a fan planning to attend games, expect his unit to flip momentum with a big return or two.
Strength and Other Assistants
The support staff rounds out the roster with a focus on player health and analytics:
- Strength and Conditioning: Pierre Ngo – Leading fitness to keep players fresh for 17 games.
- Assistants: Noble Landry, Allison Haley – Ensuring endurance, especially for an offensive line that played 2024 bruised and battered.
- Research and Analysis: Harrison Freid – Crunching numbers to outsmart opponents, a growing NFL trend.
This group’s mix of old-school grit and new-school data could be the edge the Bears need.
Changes from 2024 Staff
The 2024 season was a mess—three offensive coordinators, a fired head coach, and a defense that couldn’t close games. Here’s what changed:
- Gone: Matt Eberflus (14-34 record), interim HC Thomas Brown, OC Shane Waldron, QB coach Kerry Joseph, OL coach Chris Morgan, DC Eric Washington.
- Retained: Hightower, assistants like Jim Dray (tight ends) and Kevin Koch (linebackers) for continuity.
- New blood: Johnson, Doyle, Allen, and 20+ others, replacing a staff that struggled with accountability.
The 2024 Bears had a .294 win percentage, one of the worst in team history. Johnson’s crew is built to avoid that chaos, with a clear chain of command and a focus on details.
Impact on 2025 Season
Imagine you’re Caleb Williams, stepping into the huddle with a new playbook designed to keep you upright. Johnson’s offense, paired with Doyle’s creativity, could turn the Bears’ 24th-ranked offense into a top-15 unit. On defense, Allen’s aggressive schemes should help a talented group (think Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson) pressure QBs in the brutal NFC North. The challenge? Johnson and Doyle are untested in their roles, and the division’s no joke—Lions, Packers, and Vikings all made playoffs in 2024. Analysts project 8-10 wins, with playoffs in reach if the offensive line gels. Fan tip: Check social media during camp for clips of Williams in Johnson’s system—it’ll hint at what’s coming.
Comparisons to NFC North Rivals
How does this staff stack up? Let’s break it down:
- Lions (Dan Campbell): Veteran staff with playoff experience; Bears counter with Johnson’s offensive edge.
- Packers (Matt LaFleur): Balanced, proven coaches; Bears match with Allen’s defensive know-how.
- Vikings (Kevin O’Connell): Pass-heavy offense; Bears’ secondary, led by Harris, could neutralize it.
The Bears’ staff is younger but hungrier, with a chip on its shoulder to prove doubters wrong. Posts on X show fans buzzing about a “star-studded” group, and ESPN ranks it among the NFL’s top 10 for 2025 potential.
Fan Insights and Predictions
Fans on X are calling this the “best Bears staff in history,” and it’s easy to see why. Johnson’s detail obsession, Doyle’s fresh ideas, and Allen’s experience scream potential. Here’s what to expect:
- Wins: 8-10, per analysts, with a shot at a wild-card spot.
- Key focus: Protecting Williams and stopping red-zone scores.
- Fan vibe: Optimism after years of “dogshit” coaching, as one X user put it.
Want to join the hype? Follow the Bears’ social media for player-coach updates and share your predictions online—it’s a great way to connect with other fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Bears’ head coach in 2025?
Ben Johnson, hired on January 21, 2025, brings a detail-oriented approach from leading the Lions’ top-ranked offense in 2024, promising a fresh start for Chicago’s playbook and team culture.
Who is the Bears’ offensive coordinator?
Declan Doyle, the NFL’s youngest OC at 28, joins from the Broncos to craft creative plays for Caleb Williams, aiming to fix the 2024 offense’s woes, like a franchise-record 68 sacks allowed.
Who is the Bears’ defensive coordinator?
Dennis Allen, with over 30 years of experience, including as Saints head coach, brings aggressive schemes to a Bears defense looking to improve its 46% red-zone touchdown rate from 2024.
What changes happened to the Bears’ staff in 2025?
After firing Matt Eberflus mid-2024, the Bears replaced most coaches, keeping Richard Hightower. New hires like Ben Johnson, Declan Doyle, and Dennis Allen aim to boost a team that went 5-12.
How many coaches are on the Bears staff?
The 2025 staff has 28 coaches, blending veterans like Eric Bieniemy with young talents like Declan Doyle, all focused on turning around a team that struggled with consistency in 2024.
Will the Bears make the playoffs in 2025?
With Johnson’s offense and Allen’s defense, analysts predict 8-10 wins, giving the Bears a shot at a wild-card spot if they fix the offensive line and leverage their talented roster.
Final Takeaway
Bears fans, get ready for an exciting 2025! Follow the team’s social media for updates on how Ben Johnson’s staff shapes up in training camp. Share your thoughts online and join the hype—Chicago’s new coaches might just lead the Bears back to the playoffs.
