Ben Johnson won't retain these 2024 Chicago Bears assistants | Reports
Ben Johnson made his first decisions as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
According to The Athletic's Adam Jahns, the Bears won't retain most of the offensive staff that was in place under Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus.
Jahns reported that Interim head coach Thomas Brown, interim offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Chris Beatty, offensive line coach Chris Morgan, quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph and defensive coordinator Eric Washington will not be retained under Johnson.
It's normal for a coach to come in and move on from a handful of assistants under contract with the previous regime. Johnson knows this more than anyone. He was retained by Adam Gase when Gase was named head coach in Miami; he was also retained by Dan Campbell when Campbell took over in Detroit.
"It's really important that I meet with particular guys already on under contract here," Johnson said. "There are a number of really good coaches that have been here the last few years that I'd love to meet with."
Johnson said he wanted to meet with those coaches on Wednesday afternoon after his introductory press conference. Those meetings have reportedly happened.
A few names that weren't mentioned were running backs coach Chad Morton, passing game coordinator and nickel back coach David Overstreet, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, safeties coach Andre Curtis and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.
Decisions on those coaches could come soon. Johnson wants it to be sooner rather than later,
"Out of respect for them, I would love to let them know where they stand moving forward as soon as possible as well.