The Chicago Bears took a big step forward on defense in 2025, and a lot of that credit goes to Dennis Allen. After three seasons as a head coach, Allen returned to his roots as a defensive coordinator, joining Ben Johnson’s staff and immediately making his presence felt.
The results? A Bears defense that led the entire NFL in takeaways with 33-up from 24 the year before-and helped propel Chicago into the postseason.
Now, let’s be clear: this wasn’t a flawless unit. The Bears still had issues in pass coverage and weren’t exactly a brick wall against the run.
But considering the personnel Allen inherited and the jump in turnovers, this defense showed real growth. It’s the kind of foundational improvement that, if built upon, could turn Chicago into a legitimate defensive powerhouse in 2026.
And that’s where things get interesting.
If Allen continues this upward trajectory and transforms the Bears into a top-10 defense next season, don’t be surprised if his name starts circulating in head coaching conversations again. He’s done it before-most recently with the Saints-and there’s always a market for coaches who can elevate a defense and lead a locker room.
But if Allen does get another shot at a head coaching gig, the Bears might already have a strong contingency plan in mind.
On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Jim Schwartz is stepping away from his role as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. According to Rapoport, the Browns made a push to keep Schwartz in the building, but ultimately, he decided to walk away. Dianna Russini also reported that Schwartz is expected to sit out the upcoming season.
Now, let’s connect the dots.
Schwartz, 59, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the league. He was even considered a candidate for the Browns' head coaching job before the team pivoted to Todd Monken. That decision reportedly didn’t sit well with Schwartz, and it may have played a role in his decision to step away.
Although he’s still under contract with the Browns, Schwartz could become a hot commodity next offseason-especially for a team like the Bears, should they find themselves in need of a new defensive coordinator. And make no mistake, Schwartz would be a strong fit in Chicago.
What he accomplished in Cleveland speaks for itself. The Browns ranked third in the league in sacks (53), third in passing yards allowed per game (167.2), and finished in the top half of the league in both rushing defense and points allowed.
All of that came despite a roster that, while talented, didn’t have the offensive support to consistently win games. The Browns finished with a worse record than the Bears, but in several key defensive metrics, Schwartz’s unit outperformed Allen’s.
Schwartz’s track record goes well beyond just one season in Cleveland. He helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title in 2017, guiding a defense that thrived on pressure and depth rather than relying on a singular superstar like Myles Garrett. His schemes are aggressive, smart, and adaptable-traits that would mesh well with a Bears roster that’s starting to find its identity on that side of the ball.
If Chicago can continue to add talent-especially up front-and stay healthy in the back seven, a Schwartz-led defense could be something special. Of course, a lot has to happen between now and next offseason. Allen would need to move on, Schwartz would need to be available, and the Bears would have to act decisively.
But if the stars align, Chicago might already have its next defensive architect waiting in the wings.