Why is it important for the Bears to retain Declan Doyle and Al Harris?
Retaining these coaches provides stability and continuity, which is crucial for building on the team's recent success and fostering player development.
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Chicago Bears Expected to Retain Key Assistant Coaches for 2026 Season | Broncos Release Linebacker Dre Greenlaw | Patriots Eye Tight End Isaiah Likely to Support Drake Maye | Riq Woolen's Free Agency Outlook: Seahawks Exit and Potential Landing Spots | Gardner Minshew Joins Arizona Cardinals in Free Agency | Tim Settle Returns to Washington Commanders on Three-Year Deal | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position | Chicago Bears Expected to Retain Key Assistant Coaches for 2026 Season | Broncos Release Linebacker Dre Greenlaw | Patriots Eye Tight End Isaiah Likely to Support Drake Maye | Riq Woolen's Free Agency Outlook: Seahawks Exit and Potential Landing Spots | Gardner Minshew Joins Arizona Cardinals in Free Agency | Tim Settle Returns to Washington Commanders on Three-Year Deal | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position
NFL / Bears
Chicago Bears Expected to Retain Key Assistant Coaches for 2026 Season
Chicago Bears fans received positive news as key assistant coaches Declan Doyle and Al Harris are expected to remain with the team for the 2026 season, providing stability after an impressive 2025 performance.
Key Insights
- Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive backs coach Al Harris drew interest from other NFL teams for coordinator positions.
- The Bears finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North and a wild-card playoff game.
- Eric Bieniemy, the running backs coach, departed to become the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Retaining Doyle and Harris is seen as a major win for head coach Ben Johnson and the team's continuity.
- Al Harris had two cornerbacks in the top 10 in interceptions during the 2025 season, highlighting his impact on the secondary. **Why This Matters:** Maintaining coaching consistency is crucial for building on the Bears' recent success and fostering player development.
In-Depth Analysis
The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 season with a sense of stability, as key members of their coaching staff are expected to return. After a successful 2025 season, where they went from worst to first in the NFC North, the Bears faced the challenge of other teams poaching their talented coaches. While they lost running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to the Kansas City Chiefs, it appears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive backs coach Al Harris will remain in Chicago.
Doyle, who interviewed for the offensive coordinator job with the Philadelphia Eagles and received interest from the Baltimore Ravens, is now likely to stay with the Bears. Harris, who was considered for defensive coordinator positions with the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, also appears set to return. The retention of these coaches is a significant boost for the Bears, as it ensures continuity in their offensive and defensive schemes.
Al Harris's impact on the Bears' secondary was evident in 2025, with safety Kevin Byard leading the NFL in interceptions (7) and Nahshon Wright ranking third (5). Despite injuries to key players like Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, Harris managed to guide the unit to a strong performance. Similarly, Declan Doyle's offense ranked 12th in passing yards (234.8), third in rushing yards (144.8), and ninth in points per game (25.9).
**How to Prepare:**
- Follow Bears' training camp and preseason to see how the coaching staff integrates new players and adjusts strategies.
- Stay updated on injury reports, as the secondary's performance is heavily reliant on key players like Gordon and Johnson.
**Who This Affects Most:**
- Bears fans who are eager to see continued improvement and playoff contention.
- Players on the Bears' roster, especially those in the offense and secondary, who benefit from consistent coaching and schemes.
FAQ
What impact did Al Harris have on the Bears' secondary in 2025?
Harris guided the secondary to a strong performance, with safety Kevin Byard leading the NFL in interceptions and Nahshon Wright ranking third.
How did Declan Doyle's offense perform in 2025?
Doyle's offense ranked 12th in passing yards, third in rushing yards, and ninth in points per game.
Takeaways
- The Chicago Bears are expected to retain key assistant coaches Declan Doyle and Al Harris for the 2026 season.
- This provides stability and continuity after an impressive 2025 performance.
- Retaining these coaches is a major win for head coach Ben Johnson and the team's continuity.
- Al Harris's impact on the Bears' secondary was evident in 2025, with two cornerbacks in the top 10 in interceptions.
- Declan Doyle's offense ranked 12th in passing yards, third in rushing yards, and ninth in points per game.
Discussion
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Disclaimer
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