Bears Assistant Coaches in Flux: Who's Leaving, Who's Interviewing
The Chicago Bears are experiencing a significant turnover of assistant coaches after their recent playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Ben Johnson has acknowledged that he is willing to let go of talented assistants if it means they can find better opportunities elsewhere.
One of the key players who will not be leaving the Bears is offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, despite expressing interest in interviewing for other positions. Johnson praised Doyle's abilities, saying he was everything he thought Doyle would be and more. However, it remains to be seen whether Doyle will ultimately stay with the team or pursue other opportunities.
On the other hand, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy has left the Bears to join the Kansas City Chiefs as their new offensive coordinator. Bieniemy spent several years working for head coach Andy Reid in Kansas City before returning to the Bears. His departure is likely a significant blow to Johnson's offense, but it also reflects Bieniemy's desire for greater challenges and responsibilities.
Defensive backs coach Al Harris has been linked to multiple teams as they search for new defensive coordinators. Harris played cornerback for the Green Bay Packers from 2003-09 and earned two Pro Bowl nods during his time there. He is now interviewing with several clubs, including the Packers' former head coach Jeff Hafley's current team, the Dolphins.
Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will interview for the same position he previously interviewed for in Atlanta earlier this month. The Bears would not receive two draft picks if Cunningham were to leave as GM, as the NFL considers that position not a primary decision-maker.
Finally, there is speculation surrounding Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien's departure from his current role and potential connection to a new job with the Chicago Bears. Although details are scarce, it seems likely that Johnson will try to retain key staff members who want to stay at Soldier Field.
The Chicago Bears are experiencing a significant turnover of assistant coaches after their recent playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Ben Johnson has acknowledged that he is willing to let go of talented assistants if it means they can find better opportunities elsewhere.
One of the key players who will not be leaving the Bears is offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, despite expressing interest in interviewing for other positions. Johnson praised Doyle's abilities, saying he was everything he thought Doyle would be and more. However, it remains to be seen whether Doyle will ultimately stay with the team or pursue other opportunities.
On the other hand, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy has left the Bears to join the Kansas City Chiefs as their new offensive coordinator. Bieniemy spent several years working for head coach Andy Reid in Kansas City before returning to the Bears. His departure is likely a significant blow to Johnson's offense, but it also reflects Bieniemy's desire for greater challenges and responsibilities.
Defensive backs coach Al Harris has been linked to multiple teams as they search for new defensive coordinators. Harris played cornerback for the Green Bay Packers from 2003-09 and earned two Pro Bowl nods during his time there. He is now interviewing with several clubs, including the Packers' former head coach Jeff Hafley's current team, the Dolphins.
Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will interview for the same position he previously interviewed for in Atlanta earlier this month. The Bears would not receive two draft picks if Cunningham were to leave as GM, as the NFL considers that position not a primary decision-maker.
Finally, there is speculation surrounding Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien's departure from his current role and potential connection to a new job with the Chicago Bears. Although details are scarce, it seems likely that Johnson will try to retain key staff members who want to stay at Soldier Field.
. But on the other hand, losing Eric Bieniemy is huge and it's gonna take some time to replace that kinda experience. And what's with Ian Cunningham? He's got skills but does he really wanna leave as GM for another shot at a different role? 
it makes sense tho considering kc needs someone to take over from andy reid who's getting up there in age, but still gotta wonder if johnson knows his team needs more than just an upgrade at OC 
what's the real reason behind harris' interview process? sounds like he's testing the waters 
cunnningham's GM gig is a no-go lol, can't blame the bears for wanting to save two picks 
He was such a talented coach and his connection with Andy Reid must have made him super passionate about offense! 
But you know what? That's amazing that he's chasing new challenges & responsibilities! 
We should be totes cheering for him as well!! 
And I'm so curious if Bill O'Brien is gonna become the new Bears coach!!! 
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. but eric bieniemy leaving the bears to join the chiefs is a huge blow, his offense was one of the best in the league last season and now they gotta rebuild 
meanwhile declan doyle is like 'nah i'm good' and staying put 
i get it ben johnson wants to make changes but come on, can't we keep some of the good guys? 
also what's going on with bill obrien?! is he joining the bears or just speculating for fun? 
but then there's eric bieniemy leaving for KC and al harris interviewing w/ multiple teams 
how's ben johnson supposed to build a winning team on that?
so like declan doyle is def not leavin and ben johnson is all like "ur amazing" 
but wut do we know rn?
. And what's the point of all these interviews? It's like they're trying to justify their own decisions rather than focusing on actual wins 
. Can't we just sit back and see how it all plays out? 
He was one of the few people making sense on that team and now he's gone to play ball elsewhere. I mean, I guess it's not all bad that he wanted more challenges, but still... 
Fingers crossed he stays put.
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. You can't replicate that experience and knowledge. I'm not sure about Al Harris, though - it's weird that he's linking up with teams looking for new defensive coordinators 
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. It'd be great if Johnson can retain his key staff and rebuild around those guys 
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