The Chicago Bears are already making moves behind the scenes as they gear up for the 2026 season, and all signs point to head coach Ben Johnson putting his stamp on the staff early. With Eric Bieniemy heading back to Kansas City, the Bears have a vacancy at running backs coach. And depending on where Al Harris lands-he’s currently interviewing for defensive coordinator roles-they may also be in the market for a new defensive backs coach.
But Johnson isn’t sitting back and waiting for the dust to settle. He’s already brought in Will Lawing, his former colleague and offensive coordinator from Boston College, signaling that the reshaping of this coaching staff is underway. And based on what we’re hearing, he might not be done yet.
One name to keep a close eye on: Dan Skipper.
The longtime NFL offensive lineman officially announced his retirement this week, wrapping up a nearly decade-long career that included a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in 2018. But most fans will remember him for his time in Detroit, where he became a respected locker room presence and a steady rotational lineman. Skipper wasn’t just a guy who filled in-he was a tone-setter, a leader, and someone who embodied the grit that Detroit’s offensive line came to be known for.
That’s where the connection to Johnson runs deep. The two spent six years together in Detroit, and Johnson saw firsthand how valuable Skipper’s presence could be-not just on the field, but in shaping the culture. Skipper helped bring credibility and toughness to a group that needed both, and that influence helped Johnson implement one of the more intricate offensive systems in the league.
Now, with Skipper stepping away from playing, the transition into coaching seems like a natural next chapter. He’s already getting his feet wet with a role at the East-West Shrine Bowl ahead of this year’s NFL Draft. But sources indicate Johnson is hoping to bring him to Chicago once that stint wraps up.
The fit makes a lot of sense. The Bears currently don’t have an assistant offensive line coach on staff, and if Johnson wants to carve out a spot for Skipper, that’s an easy role to create.
It would give the Bears a young, hungry coach with recent playing experience and an intimate understanding of Johnson’s offense. It would also give them a built-in succession plan should veteran offensive line coach Dan Roushar decide to step away in the near future.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. The Lions could make a play to keep Skipper in-house, especially with a new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, taking over. But that also means Petzing may want to bring in his own people, leaving the door open for Johnson to reunite with a trusted former player.
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes move that doesn’t make headlines now but could pay dividends down the road. Skipper brings leadership, system familiarity, and a toughness that Johnson clearly values. And if the Bears are serious about building something sustainable, these are the types of foundational pieces that matter.
Keep an eye on this one. Skipper’s next step could quietly become one of the more impactful additions to the Bears' 2026 coaching staff.