Ben Johnson’s first offseason as head coach is already presenting some challenges - and opportunities - when it comes to building out his coaching staff. While he managed to hold onto key assistants like Declan Doyle and Al Harris despite heavy league interest, he wasn’t as lucky with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who’s headed back to Kansas City to take over as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy’s departure wasn’t exactly a shock, but it does leave a significant hole in Johnson’s offensive staff. Bieniemy is one of the most respected minds in the game when it comes to developing running backs and designing run schemes. Replacing that kind of experience and production won’t be easy - but Johnson might already have a couple of strong candidates in mind.
Early buzz pointed toward Eric Studesville, who has a long track record in the NFL and worked with Johnson during their time together in Miami. Studesville also has a bit of a Chicago connection, having served as an assistant with the Bears from 1997 to 2000. Some thought he might stick around in Miami under new head coach Jeff Hafley, but the Dolphins went in a different direction, hiring Ladell Betts to coach their running backs.
But in the last 24 hours, another familiar name has emerged: Duce Staley.
Staley’s resume speaks for itself. He’s widely regarded as one of the top running backs coaches in the league, and Johnson knows exactly what he’d be getting - the two worked side by side in Detroit.
Now, with Staley available following Cleveland’s recent coaching shakeup, a reunion in Chicago is firmly on the table. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are seriously considering bringing Staley aboard.
This wouldn’t be a hire based solely on familiarity - far from it. Johnson has made it clear he’s looking for the best possible fits, not just familiar faces.
And Staley checks every box. He’s experienced.
He’s respected. And most importantly, he gets results.
Staley’s coaching impact has been felt wherever he’s gone. Back in 2013, during his first season as a running backs coach, he helped LeSean McCoy post the best year of his career - an All-Pro campaign that reminded everyone just how dangerous McCoy could be in space. A few years later, he helped develop Miles Sanders into a Pro Bowler in Philadelphia.
Then came his stint in Detroit, where he coached Jamaal Williams to a breakout 17-touchdown season in 2022 - a career high that turned heads across the league. Even in a tough year with the Carolina Panthers, Staley managed to get the best out of Chuba Hubbard, who posted a then-career-best 902 rushing yards. And most recently, in Cleveland, he played a key role in turning rookie Quinshon Judkins into the NFL’s leading rookie rusher.
That kind of track record doesn’t happen by accident. Staley’s players don’t just improve - they thrive.
He brings a mix of toughness, accountability, and relatability to the position room, and that resonates with his backs. He also brings championship pedigree, having earned a Super Bowl ring during his time with the Eagles.
If the Bears are looking for a coach who can command respect, develop talent, and bring a winning mentality to the locker room, Staley fits the bill. He’s been through the grind, both as a player and a coach, and he knows how to navigate adversity - something every staff needs.
Replacing Eric Bieniemy was never going to be easy. But if Duce Staley ends up being the guy in Chicago, it wouldn’t just be a solid hire - it could be a game-changer.