The Chicago Bears experienced a lot of struggles throughout the 2023-24 NFL season. That included having defensive coordinator Alan Williams resign from the organization just two weeks into the regular season. This left head coach Matt Eberflus with a larger workload than he envisioned before the year kicked off, yet the Bears still managed to improve what was a league-worst defense to one that ranked 20th in points allowed.
But Williams isn’t expected to return in 2024, which means the Bears still need to find a full-time defensive coordinator to help Eberflus coach his team. Luckily, there is no shortage of interest in the Bears’ defensive coaching vacancy.
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Chris Harris interviewing for Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator vacancy
The Chicago Bears have met with several defensive coordinator candidates, and more are likely on the schedule. Yet, there’s one name that could stick out to longtime Bears fans who enjoyed watching Lovie Smith lead top defensive units in the late 2000s.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears have set an interview with former All-Pro safety Chris Harris, who played parts of four seasons with Chicago. Ever since he retired in 2012, Harris has taken on a new responsibility as a coach, where he already has ten seasons of NFL coaching experience under his belt.
Harris has spent time with the Bears, Chargers, Commanders, and most recently with the Titans, where he worked as the defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Yet, with Mike Vrabel being let go in Tennessee, now Harris is seeking a new role, which could even involve a major promotion as a defensive coordinator.
But this isn’t just some favor to a former Bears player. His name has also come up in the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator search, where Harris has already interviewed for the vacancy in Jacksonville. Having played for both teams, Harris may have a tough decision to make, if he’s offered the position.
