Bears Receive The Al Harris News Out Of Pittsburgh They Were Hoping For
The Chicago Bears have been quietly holding their breath this month. They’d already lost top assistant coach Eric Bieniemy, who left to become offensive coordinator in Kansas City. It looked like other key names were in danger of departing as well. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle received interest from Philadelphia and Baltimore. Perhaps even more alarming was how many teams had eyes on Al Harris. Chicago’s secondary coach was crucial in helping Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright make the Pro Bowl this season. His value to the defense can’t be overstated.
Unfortunately, four teams wanted to meet with him about their defensive coordinator position. Green Bay, Dallas, and Washington quickly moved on to other candidates, but the real threat was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their new head coach, Mike McCarthy, has deep ties to Harris from their time together in Green Bay and Dallas. If any team looked poised to lure him away, it was Pittsburgh. Thankfully, it looks like the Bears dodged a bullet. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac revealed that Patrick Graham is slated to become the team’s new defensive coordinator.
Al Harris should now be back for another year.
Barring an unforeseen fifth team jumping into the mix late, the Bears will retain their secondary coach for at least one more season. The value of this development is significant. Remember, the team has four safeties and a top cornerback set to become free agents this year. It is certain they will be bringing in some new faces this spring, most likely via the draft. They will need Harris to help develop them properly. Sometimes you need a little luck to go your way. There is no question that has happened for the Bears.
If we’re being honest, Al Harris should already be a head coach in the NFL. Never mind a defensive coordinator. He’s been excellent at his job for several years, including winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in Kansas City. Players love him and always seem to perform at their best under his direction. Retaining him as a defensive back coach feels like stealing at this point. Not that the Bears will complain. His presence improves their odds considerably of making another deep playoff run.