Ben Johnson

Chicago Bears' coaching staff takes shape under Ben Johnson: Reports

Johnson had targeted Allen since he had been hired as Bears coach, according to multiple reports

Allen
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s coaching staff is filling out quickly, as they’ve reportedly named all three of their coordinators for the 2025 season.

According to multiple reports, including from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears are hiring Denver Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator, and are hiring former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator.

In addition, the Bears are reportedly retaining special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, according to multiple reports.

Doyle, just 28 years old, has been the Broncos’ tight ends coach for the last two seasons under head coach Sean Payton. He had previously worked with the Saints for four seasons, where he served as an offensive assistant.

Adam Trautman is one of the players Doyle worked extensively with, with 22 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns during the 2024 season.

Johnson has already said that he will call plays for the Bears, meaning Doyle will be responsible for helping to install gameplans and to analyze scouting reports ahead of each game.

With Johnson taking the reins for the first time as a head coach, he brought in Allen, a coach with plenty of previous experience. He has had two stints as a head coach in the NFL, most recently with the Saints where he coached for parts of three seasons before he was fired during the 2024 season.

In parts of six seasons as a head coach, Allen has a record of 26-53.

He has had success in the past as a defensive coach, including a strong run as secondary coach for the Saints under Payton. That included winning a Super Bowl ring for New Orleans in the 2009 season.

Hightower will return for a fourth season as the Bears’ special teams coordinator, having worked extensively with kicker Cairo Santos and punter Tory Taylor.

Previously, he worked with the San Francisco 49ers before coming back to Chicago for the 2022 season.

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