When a team finally breaks through the noise and reclaims relevance, the rest of the league takes notice-not just of the players, but of the people behind the scenes helping to make it all click. That’s exactly what’s happening in Chicago.
After years of frustration, the Bears finally found their footing, capturing the NFC North and turning heads across the NFL. But with success comes a cost.
And for the Bears, that cost is now being felt on the coaching staff.
First, offensive assistant Eric Bieniemy departed, heading back to Kansas City for another stint as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. Now, it looks like defensive backs coach Al Harris could be next out the door-and his departure might sting even more.
Harris has already drawn interest from multiple teams, having interviewed for defensive coordinator roles with the Packers, Cowboys, and Titans. But there’s a new frontrunner in the mix: the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show, Harris is a name to watch closely as Pittsburgh eyes a new defensive leader under recently hired head coach Mike McCarthy.
And there’s history here. Harris and McCarthy worked together from 2020 to 2024, a stretch that saw their teams make the playoffs three straight seasons.
That kind of continuity and success doesn’t go unnoticed-especially in Pittsburgh, where the defense is in need of a new identity. The Steelers are looking for a coach who can bring fresh energy and a proven track record of development.
Harris checks both boxes.
If Harris does land the job in Pittsburgh, it’s a well-earned promotion. But make no mistake-this would be a tough loss for the Bears.
He played a pivotal role in Chicago’s defensive resurgence in 2025, particularly when it came to creating turnovers. Under Harris’ guidance, the secondary became a ball-hawking unit.
Kevin Byard reeled in seven interceptions. Nahshon Wright added five of his own.
And C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who didn’t even join the team until midseason, still managed to snag two picks.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a reflection of coaching, preparation, and trust in the system.
Harris brought all of that to the table.
The Bears knew they had a rising star on their hands. They just hoped they’d get to hold onto him a little longer.
If there’s any silver lining, it’s that he’d be heading to the AFC. Losing him to a conference rival like Green Bay or Dallas would’ve stung even more.
Still, replacing Harris won’t be easy. One internal option is assistant secondary coach Matt Giardano.
Promoting from within would offer some continuity, but Giardano is still relatively green in terms of NFL coaching experience. The Bears might want to bring in a more seasoned voice to take over the room.
There are intriguing names out there. Former Bears safety Chris Harris is available after the Jets cleared out their defensive staff.
He’s well-respected and already has a connection to the franchise. Teryl Austin, who just parted ways with Pittsburgh, brings years of experience and could step right into the role.
And Dennis Allen, a veteran defensive mind with ties to current Bears defensive coordinator Joe Woods from their time in New Orleans, could be another fit.
Bottom line: the Bears have options. But they’ll need to move swiftly and wisely.
Al Harris helped turn a talented secondary into one of the league’s most opportunistic units. If he does head to Pittsburgh, Chicago’s next move will be critical in maintaining the defensive momentum they built in 2025.