In an NFL offseason already marked by coaching shakeups and front-office movement, the Chicago Bears are quietly holding onto a key piece of their internal fabric. Assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El appears to be staying put in Chicago, and while there hasn’t been an official announcement, his recent Instagram post speaks volumes.
Randle El shared a photo alongside wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus with the caption: *“Year one in my city. Setting the standard.”
- That’s not just a feel-good moment-it’s a message. This is a coach who’s not only invested in his players, but in the city itself.
Born in Riverdale, Illinois, Randle El isn’t just coaching in Chicago-he’s home. And that kind of connection can’t be overstated in a league where loyalty is often trumped by opportunity.
The timing of this apparent decision is just as important as the message. The Bears recently lost running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who returned to Kansas City to take over as offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy was instrumental in Chicago’s 2025 playoff push, and his departure was seen as the beginning of what could be a broader staff exodus. That’s what makes Randle El’s commitment so crucial-he’s choosing to stay and help build something, rather than chase the next opportunity.
And make no mistake, his impact in year one was felt. While the Bears’ wide receiver group battled inconsistency and drop issues, Randle El brought energy, accountability, and a clear vision to the position. His presence becomes even more critical as head coach Ben Johnson continues to mold his offensive identity and, more importantly, guide quarterback Caleb Williams through his development.
Continuity matters-especially when you’re building around a young quarterback. Randle El staying on staff gives Williams a familiar voice in the room, someone who understands the rhythm of the offense and the nuances of receiver play. That kind of stability can be the difference between incremental growth and a true second-year leap.
The Bears are also expected to retain defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, another sign that Chicago is leaning into stability rather than starting over. That’s a significant shift for a franchise that’s spent much of the past decade searching for direction. Now, with key leaders like Randle El and Allen sticking around, the Bears are signaling they believe in what they’re building-and they’re not done yet.
In a league where coaching staffs are often picked apart after a successful season, Randle El’s decision to stay bucks the trend. It's about more than just football.
It’s about culture, alignment, and belief. For a Bears team looking to take the next step in 2026, that foundation could be everything.