The winds of change are blowing through Halas Hall. Less than a week after being named the 19th head coach in Chicago Bears history, Ben Johnson has already put his stamp on the team by hiring his coordinators. According to league sources, the Bears are bringing in Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator and Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator, while retaining Richard Hightower to lead special teams.
A Rising Star at OC
At just 28 years old, Doyle is considered one of the bright young minds in the coaching ranks. He has spent the past two seasons as tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos after beginning his NFL career with a four-year stint as an offensive assistant for the New Orleans Saints. Though Johnson will continue to call plays, he emphasized the importance of having a detail-oriented OC to handle game planning and preparation:
“It’s going to be critical for me to find somebody that can organize and structure and set the table, particularly early in the week,” Johnson said. “The offensive coordinator position is going to have to be somebody that not only I trust but we’ll be extremely detail oriented, organized and structured to set the table and also be willing to work late nights.”
In Doyle, it appears Johnson has found his man. The wunderkind assistant has earned rave reviews for his football IQ, work ethic, and ability to relate to players. He should form a potent pairing with Johnson to elevate a Bears offense that ranked in the bottom third of the league last season.
Proven Veteran Leads Defense
On the other side of the ball, the Bears are turning to a familiar name in Dennis Allen. The long-time NFL coach most recently served as head coach of the New Orleans Saints before being let go midway through the 2024 campaign. Although he has never coached alongside Johnson, Allen’s New Orleans ties—he spent a total of 12 seasons there as a defensive assistant and coordinator—and impressive track record made him an obvious candidate for the Bears DC job.
Allen is known for crafting aggressive, opportunistic defenses that excel in key situations. As Johnson noted: “Everywhere he has been along the way, they have been a top third-down team, a top red zone team.” His scheme and fiery demeanor should provide a shot in the arm to a Bears defense that took a step back in 2024.
Continuity on Special Teams
Amid all the changes, the Bears are keeping some continuity by retaining Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator. Hightower joined the Bears in 2022 after five seasons running the 49ers special teams units. He is a respected voice on the staff and well-liked by players for his upbeat coaching style.
With core special teamers like kicker Cairo Santos and return man Velus Jones Jr. still under contract, the Bears are banking on continued strong play from Hightower’s group as the rest of the team finds its footing under the new regime.
The Stage Is Set
By moving swiftly and decisively to build his staff, Ben Johnson is showing that he has a clear vision for the Bears organization. In Declan Doyle, he has an energetic, innovative offensive mind to mold Justin Fields and Co. into a dynamic attack. Dennis Allen provides instant credibility and a wealth of experience to galvanize the defense. And Richard Hightower’s steady hand ensures the Bears will remain solid on special teams.
While it will take time for this new coaching triumvirate to implement their schemes and forge an identity, Bears fans have to be encouraged by the bold steps the team is taking. The 2025 season is still months away, but the foundation is being laid for what the Windy City faithful hope will be a new era of winning football. The stage is set, the characters are in place. Now it’s time to see if they can write a compelling script.
