The Pittsburgh Steelers are making headlines again-this time with a major coaching hire that could send ripple effects through the NFC North. Mike McCarthy is officially back in the NFL, taking over as the Steelers’ new head coach after a year away from the sidelines. And while that’s big news for Pittsburgh, it could also spell trouble for the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff in 2026.
McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach with a résumé that includes over 170 career wins between his time with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, is now tasked with retooling a Steelers franchise hungry for a return to contention. And as he begins assembling his staff, one name keeps surfacing: Al Harris.
Al Harris on McCarthy’s Radar for DC Role
Harris, currently the Bears’ defensive backs coach, is drawing serious interest across the league as a defensive coordinator candidate-and for good reason. He’s already interviewed with the Packers, Commanders, and Titans this offseason, and now there’s growing buzz that McCarthy could bring him to Pittsburgh.
The connection between the two runs deep. Harris played under McCarthy during their time in Green Bay, and later joined his staff in Dallas, coaching the secondary from 2020 to 2023 before earning a promotion to assistant head coach in 2024. That kind of continuity and trust doesn’t go unnoticed in NFL circles, especially when a veteran head coach like McCarthy is looking to hit the ground running.
Why the Bears Might Be Bracing for a Big Loss
Harris just wrapped up his first season in Chicago, and despite facing a laundry list of challenges, he got the most out of a depleted secondary. The Bears lost both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon for much of the year due to injuries, forcing Harris to turn to backup options like Nahshon Wright and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
And here’s where things get impressive: Wright ended up leading the entire league in turnovers created, while Gardner-Johnson-traditionally a safety-slid into the slot corner role and held his own. That kind of adaptability and development speaks volumes about Harris’ coaching acumen.
It’s not just about scheme-it’s about teaching, motivating, and putting players in the right position to succeed. Harris did all of that in a tough situation, and the league has taken notice.
What This Means for the Bears and Steelers
If McCarthy does make a push to bring Harris aboard as his defensive coordinator, it would be a significant blow to the Bears’ defensive staff. Losing a coach of Harris’ caliber-especially one who’s already shown he can elevate a unit under duress-would force Chicago to re-evaluate its defensive leadership just as it’s trying to build momentum.
For the Steelers, though, it could be a home run hire. McCarthy knows what he’s getting in Harris: a smart, steady hand who understands his system and has proven he can develop talent at a high level. And in a city like Pittsburgh, where defense is part of the franchise’s DNA, Harris could be the right man to lead the next chapter.
While nothing is official yet, don’t be surprised if Harris ends up wearing black and gold next season. The fit makes too much sense-and the Bears may soon find themselves looking to fill some very big shoes.