Chicago Bears’ New Coaching Trio: A Fresh Start Under Ben Johnson
CHICAGO — In a whirlwind of activity, the Chicago Bears have made significant strides in shaping their coaching staff under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Ben Johnson. Less than a week after stepping into his role as the 19th head coach in the storied history of the franchise, Johnson has already assembled his team of coordinators, setting the stage for what fans hope will be a transformative era for the Bears.
According to a league source, the Bears are bringing in Declan Doyle as the offensive coordinator, Dennis Allen as the defensive coordinator, and retaining Richard Hightower as the special teams coordinator. This trio is expected to bring a mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned experience to the team.
Declan Doyle: The Offensive Mind
At just 28 years old, Declan Doyle is stepping into the role of offensive coordinator. Doyle has been honing his skills with the Denver Broncos since 2023, where he coached tight ends. His journey in the NFL began with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent four seasons as an offensive assistant.
Ben Johnson, who will continue to call offensive plays in Chicago, emphasized the importance of having a coordinator who can meticulously plan and strategize for each week’s opponent. “It’s going to be critical for me to find somebody that can organize and structure and set the table, particularly early in the week,” Johnson explained. He highlighted the need for someone who is detail-oriented and willing to put in the long hours necessary to succeed.
Dennis Allen: Defensive Strategy
Dennis Allen, a veteran of the Saints coaching tree, has been tapped as the defensive coordinator. Although Allen and Johnson have never worked together, Allen’s reputation precedes him. He was a favorite for the position as soon as Johnson was hired, thanks to his extensive experience and successful track record.
Allen’s career includes a stint with the Saints from 2006 to 2011, followed by a role as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator. Despite a challenging tenure as the Raiders head coach, Allen returned to the Saints, eventually becoming their head coach in 2022. Although he was let go midway through the 2024 season, his defensive acumen remains highly regarded.
Johnson expressed his respect for Allen’s defensive strategies, noting, “I think everywhere he has been along the way, they have been a top third-down team, a top red zone team.” This endorsement, along with recommendations from Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn, solidified Allen’s place on Johnson’s list of candidates.
Richard Hightower: Special Teams Stability
Richard Hightower will continue his role as the Bears’ special teams coordinator, a position he has held since 2022. With 19 years of NFL experience, Hightower’s expertise is invaluable. His previous tenure as the special teams coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2021 further underscores his capabilities.
As the Bears look to the future, these coaching appointments mark a significant step in the team’s rebuilding process. Last week, sources revealed that several coaches from the 2024 staff would not be retained, including interim head coach/offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and others across various positions.
- Thomas Brown – Interim Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
- Kerry Joseph – Quarterbacks Coach
- Chris Beatty – Wide Receivers Coach
- Chris Morgan – Offensive Line Coach
- Chad Morton – Running Backs Coach
- Eric Washington – Defensive Coordinator
- Jon Hoke – Cornerbacks Coach
With these changes, the Bears are clearly signaling a new direction, one that fans hope will lead to success on the field. The combination of fresh talent and experienced leadership could be the key to unlocking the team’s potential. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how this coaching team can translate their strategies into victories.
Originally Written by: Courtney Cronin
