Bears coach Ben Johnson’s staff is in full swing as he prepares for his first season at the helm, as Chicago hired Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator and brought in Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator, ESPN and NFL Network reported Sunday night.
ESPN also reported that the Bears are retaining special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.
Doyle, 28, will step into the biggest role of his career to date. He was with the Denver Broncos from 2023-24 as tight ends coach after spending time as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints (2019-22) and a student assistant at Iowa (2016-18).
Allen, 52, has head coaching experience under his belt, leading New Orleans to an 18-25 record in parts of three seasons (2022-24) long after guiding the Raiders, then stationed in Oakland, to an 8-28 mark in parts for three seasons (2012-14).
Allen broke into the NFL coaching staff with the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, and was with the organization until 2005. He then had his first title with the Saints, earning reps as an assistant linebacker coach from 2006-07 before taking the second position. coach in 2008.
Allen was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (2011) and the Saints (2015-21).
Chicago went 5-12 this season, posting a 4-8 record under Matt Eberflus, who was fired on Nov. 29. The Bears were able to snag Johnson from the NFC North rival Detroit Lions after the 38-year-old worked out for them. offensive coordinator from 2022-24.
–Field Level Media