The Chicago Bears' defensive resurgence in 2025 has been one of the more compelling storylines of the season-and at the heart of it is Al Harris, the team’s defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. The Bears have clawed their way to a 10-win record through 15 weeks, and while the offense has done its part, it’s the defense that’s really turned heads. Harris, in particular, has been instrumental in transforming the secondary into one of the league’s most opportunistic units.
Now, with the New York Jets parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Harris’ name is beginning to surface in league circles as a potential candidate for the job. The Jets promoted Chris Harris to interim DC, but make no mistake-this is just a placeholder. The real search begins in the offseason, and Al Harris is likely to be on the shortlist.
Why Harris Makes Sense for the Jets
Let’s start with the numbers. Chicago leads the NFL in both turnover differential (+20) and interceptions (21) this season.
That’s not by accident. It’s the result of a disciplined, aggressive secondary that knows how to capitalize on mistakes-and that kind of production doesn’t happen without sharp coaching.
Harris has helped elevate the play of Kevin Byard III and Nahshon Wright, both of whom have grabbed at least five picks this year. That’s elite ball production, especially considering the Bears have been without top corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon for much of the season.
Harris has been able to plug in new faces, adjust coverages, and still generate takeaways at a league-leading clip. That speaks to his ability to teach technique, scheme effectively, and motivate his players-three things the Jets desperately need on the defensive side of the ball.
The Jets’ Defensive Slide
Contrast that with what’s been happening in New York. Under Wilks, the Jets have slipped to 20th in total defense and a troubling 30th in scoring defense, giving up 28.4 points per game.
But the most staggering stat? They’ve gone 15 straight weeks without a single interception-an NFL record.
That’s not just bad luck; that’s a systemic issue. Whether it’s poor positioning, lack of pressure up front, or defenders not finishing plays, the Jets simply haven’t been able to generate turnovers.
And it’s not just about takeaways. The Jets have allowed 30 or more points in six games this season.
In their Week 15 loss to Jacksonville, they gave up 330 yards and five touchdowns to Trevor Lawrence-who didn’t even finish the game. He was pulled early in the fourth quarter.
That tells you everything you need to know about how outmatched this defense has been.
Why the Timing Works
For Harris, the timing couldn’t be better. He’s coaching one of the best secondaries in football, and he’s doing it with key starters missing.
That kind of adaptability is exactly what New York needs. Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are expected to be back next season, and they’ll be looking for a defensive coordinator who can bring a fresh voice and a clear plan to fix what’s broken.
Harris has learned under some respected minds this season, including Bears head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. That’s a strong pedigree, and the results in Chicago speak volumes. The next few weeks could serve as a live audition-not just for Harris’ players, but for Harris himself.
If the Bears keep rolling and the secondary continues to feast, don’t be surprised if Harris becomes one of the hottest names on the coordinator market. For a Jets team searching for answers, he might just be the right guy at the right time.