Ben Johnson has his 3 Chicago Bears coordinators in place: reports
CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears have made their two most important hires on Ben Johnson’s staff.
The Bears are reportedly hiring New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports, and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Tribune is also reporting the Bears are retaining special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.
What we know:
Allen was floated as a name that Johnson could target from the moment he agreed to be the Bears’ next head coach.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last Monday after news of Johnson’s hire broke that Johnson has been busy putting a staff together. That staff reportedly had Allen on its list.
Allen was fired during the 2024 season, but was a stellar defensive coordinator in two separate tenures in New Orleans. He is reportedly the "leading candidate" to be the Bears' next defensive coordinator.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Ha (Getty Images )
This adds head coaching experience to Johnson's staff. Allen was a head coach in New Orleans and for the then-Oakland Raiders.
Allen’s two stints as a head coach didn’t work out. However, he has a successful track record as a defensive coordinator.
Doyle is a rising name that’s getting a major opportunity in Chicago.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 11: Denver Broncos Tight Ends Coach Declan Doyle works with players before the NFL Preseason game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts on August 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Phot
Allen was a defensive coordinator for one season in Denver before the Raiders made him the head coach. Before running the defensive ship in Denver, he was a defensive assistant for five years in New Orleans. He later was the defensive coordinator for six seasons in New Orleans before being promoted as the team’s head coach.
Allen comes to Chicago with plenty of defensive experience with defensive backs. The Bears have put an emphasis on their secondary already when they poached Al Harris as their passing game coordinator from Dallas.
Doyle is 28 years old. He spent last year with the Denver Broncos as their tight ends coach.
What we don't know:
The Bears still need to figure out their offensive staff, including their offensive line coach, to name one of the few open positions.
One more thing to keep note of for Bears fans is the Jacksonville Jaguars general manager's opening.
Jacksonville already hired Liam Cohen as its head coach. However, the Jaguars fired GM Trent Baalke, leaving their biggest front office position open. Ian Cunningham was interviewed for the Tennessee Titans GM opening, but was passed over.
Jacksonville could look into Cunningham for its GM opening.