Ben Johnson knew what he was signing up for when he built out his coaching staff last offseason. Assemble a group of top-tier assistants, and you're bound to see them get poached.
That’s the nature of the NFL coaching carousel-success breeds opportunity, and Johnson’s staff was loaded with talent. Now, just a year later, the Chicago Bears are starting to feel the effects.
Eric Bieniemy is already out the door, heading back to Kansas City to rejoin the Chiefs as their offensive coordinator. That move alone is a big one-Bieniemy’s experience and leadership were key assets for the Bears’ offense.
But the hits might keep coming. Passing game coordinator Al Harris is now in the mix for the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator position, and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is drawing interest elsewhere, with Philadelphia reportedly kicking the tires on him for a play-calling role.
If all three depart, Johnson and the Bears will have some serious retooling to do. The good news?
There are capable replacements out there, and Johnson has worked with several of them before. Let’s take a look at a few names that could be in play.
Running Backs Coach: Duce Staley
Losing Bieniemy was always a strong possibility, and Johnson likely had a contingency plan in mind. One name that makes a ton of sense is Duce Staley.
He and Johnson have history from their time together in Detroit, where Staley worked closely with the running backs during Johnson’s first year as offensive coordinator in 2022. Staley, a former NFL running back himself, brings both credibility and results to the table.
He’s coming off a two-year stint in Cleveland, where he continued to build his reputation as one of the league’s most respected position coaches.
Staley’s coaching style blends old-school toughness with modern offensive concepts. He’s known for developing backs who can pass protect, catch out of the backfield, and grind out tough yards-traits that align well with the Bears' offensive identity under Johnson. If the Bears are looking to maintain continuity while replacing a big name like Bieniemy, Staley checks a lot of boxes.
Defensive Backs Coach: Teryl Austin
If Al Harris moves on to a coordinator role, the Bears would be losing a key figure in their defensive turnaround. Harris helped guide a secondary that led the NFL in interceptions this past season with 23-a stat that speaks volumes about both scheme and player development.
One potential replacement who brings a wealth of experience is Teryl Austin. He’s been around the league for years and has coordinated defenses in both Detroit and Pittsburgh.
But it’s his work with defensive backs that really stands out. Over the years, Austin has helped develop talents like Marcus Trufant, Ken Hamlin, Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith, Darius Slay, and Quandre Diggs.
That’s not just a who’s who of solid NFL DBs-that’s a résumé that commands respect.
At 60, Austin might not be a long-term project, but that could actually work in the Bears’ favor. He brings immediate credibility and would likely be a stabilizing force in the room. If Harris does leave, Austin is the type of hire that could keep the Bears’ secondary playing at a high level without missing a beat.
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Dray (with Will Lawing in the wings)
The name creating some buzz inside Halas Hall is Kevin Dray. He’s been steadily climbing the coaching ladder and earned plenty of praise this season for his work with tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet.
Dray’s development of those two-particularly the way he’s helped Kmet become a more complete tight end-hasn’t gone unnoticed. If Declan Doyle ends up leaving, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Johnson promote Dray from within.
Promoting Dray would also allow the Bears to slide Will Lawing into the tight ends coaching role. Lawing, who’s joining the staff this offseason, has a deep background coaching that position and could step in seamlessly. This kind of internal reshuffling would keep the offensive philosophy intact while rewarding coaches who’ve already proven their value.
As of now, the only known interest in Doyle is coming from Philadelphia, which may lower the odds of his departure. But if things change-and they often do quickly in this league-Dray and Lawing give the Bears a ready-made succession plan.
Bottom line: this is what happens when you build a strong staff. Other teams take notice, and the phone starts ringing.
Ben Johnson knew that going in, and now he’s facing the challenge of replacing some key pieces. The silver lining?
He’s got a deep Rolodex and a clear vision for what he wants on both sides of the ball. If changes are coming, expect the Bears to move quickly-and smartly-to keep their coaching momentum rolling.