Chicago Bears Hire Dennis Allen, Declan Doyle as Coordinators \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Chicago Bears have hired Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator under new head coach Ben Johnson. Allen, a former NFL head coach, brings defensive expertise, while Doyle joins after coaching tight ends for the Broncos. Richard Hightower remains special teams coordinator as the Bears aim to rebound from a 5-12 season.
Bears Coaching Hires Quick Looks
- Dennis Allen Joins Staff: Former Saints head coach brings defensive coordinator experience to Chicago.
- Declan Doyle Promoted: Former Broncos tight ends coach takes on offensive coordinator duties.
- Richard Hightower Retained: Special teams coordinator stays for a fourth season with the Bears.
- Ben Johnson’s First Staff: Newly hired Johnson fills key roles after a challenging season for Chicago.
- Focus on Rebuilding: The Bears aim to recover from a disappointing 5-12 finish.
Deep Look
The Chicago Bears have made significant changes to their coaching staff as they prepare for a fresh start under new head coach Ben Johnson. The team has hired Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator, with Richard Hightower remaining in his role as special teams coordinator. These moves signal the organization’s intent to rebuild after a challenging 5-12 season and return to playoff contention in the NFC North.
Dennis Allen: Defensive Leadership with NFL Experience
Dennis Allen brings a wealth of experience to the Bears as the new defensive coordinator. At 52, Allen has a long NFL resume, including head coaching stints with the Oakland Raiders and, most recently, the New Orleans Saints. While his head coaching record is less than stellar—18-25 with New Orleans and 8-28 with the Raiders—Allen’s defensive expertise is well-documented.
Allen spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Saints, where he built units that consistently ranked among the NFL’s best. His defenses were particularly effective in 2020 and 2021, finishing in the top 10 in total defense and excelling against the run. This performance cemented Allen’s reputation as one of the league’s sharpest defensive minds.
In Chicago, Allen will be tasked with turning around a Bears defense that struggled throughout the 2023 season. The unit, once a hallmark of the franchise’s identity, has been inconsistent in recent years. Allen’s ability to develop disciplined, hard-hitting defenses will be crucial as the Bears look to reestablish their defensive dominance.
“Dennis brings a great defensive mind with NFL head coaching acumen,” said head coach Ben Johnson in a statement. “I look forward to Dennis coordinating our defense and helping lead our team.”
Allen’s hiring also gives the Bears a coach with significant experience to complement Johnson, who is entering his first season as an NFL head coach. The combination of Johnson’s offensive innovation and Allen’s defensive expertise provides a balanced approach to rebuilding the Bears.
Declan Doyle: A Rising Star on Offense
Declan Doyle’s promotion to offensive coordinator marks a new chapter in his coaching career. At just 28 years old, Doyle has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as a detail-oriented and innovative coach.
Doyle comes to Chicago after two seasons as the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos. Before that, he spent four years as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints, working alongside some of the NFL’s top offensive minds. His time in New Orleans helped him develop a deep understanding of offensive schemes and the importance of player development.
Doyle’s coaching journey began at the University of Iowa, where he worked as an offensive student assistant while earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. His attention to detail and focus on individual player growth have been key factors in his rapid ascent.
“A sharp, innovative offensive mind, Declan’s work ethic and attitude will be a tremendous asset as we work to build our offensive unit,” said Johnson. “He brings a unique skillset rooted in attention to detail, as well as individual development and collective growth.”
Doyle will work closely with Johnson, who plans to call offensive plays for quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson, previously the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is known for his creative play-calling and ability to maximize offensive talent. Together, Johnson and Doyle aim to create a dynamic offense that can compete in a tough NFC North division.
Richard Hightower: Stability in Special Teams
While the Bears are making significant changes on offense and defense, they are retaining Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator. Hightower, who has held the position since 2020, brings continuity and stability to a unit that has been a bright spot for the team.
Hightower’s extensive NFL experience includes stints with the Houston Texans, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers in a variety of special teams roles. Known for his attention to detail and strategic approach, Hightower has overseen notable performances on special teams during his time in Chicago.
Keeping Hightower on the staff provides a sense of consistency amid the broader changes happening within the organization. His ability to develop reliable special teams units will be critical as the Bears aim to improve in all phases of the game.
Ben Johnson’s Vision for the Bears
Ben Johnson, at 38 years old, was hired last week as the Bears’ head coach after three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson’s success in Detroit, where he helped transform the Lions into one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, made him a sought-after candidate for head coaching roles.
Johnson inherits a Bears team that entered the 2023 season with playoff aspirations but fell short, finishing last in the NFC North. The team’s 5-12 record included a 10-game losing streak, which ultimately led to the midseason firing of head coach Matt Eberflus.
With Johnson at the helm, the Bears are focusing on developing a strong offense led by Caleb Williams, whom the team hopes will be their long-term answer at quarterback. Johnson’s decision to hire Doyle as offensive coordinator reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and building a cohesive offensive identity.
On defense, Johnson is relying on Allen’s experience and leadership to address the unit’s shortcomings. Allen’s proven track record as a defensive coordinator makes him a key part of the Bears’ rebuilding efforts.
Challenges Ahead
While the new coaching hires bring promise, the Bears face significant challenges in the upcoming season. The team’s struggles on both sides of the ball will require substantial improvement, and the pressure will be on Johnson, Allen, and Doyle to deliver results.
For Allen, the challenge will be crafting a defense that can stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. For Doyle, the focus will be on unlocking the potential of Caleb Williams and creating an offense capable of scoring consistently.
Despite these hurdles, the Bears’ revamped coaching staff represents a step in the right direction. By combining experienced leaders like Allen with rising stars like Doyle, the team is laying the foundation for long-term success.
Looking Forward
The Bears’ new coaching staff reflects a clear vision for the future: blending experience, innovation, and leadership to build a team capable of competing in the NFC North. With Johnson, Allen, Doyle, and Hightower working together, the organization hopes to turn the page on a disappointing season and chart a new course toward sustained success.
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