Antwaan Randle-El Joins Bears as Assistant Head Coach Under Ben Johnson

CHICAGO, Ill. — Former NFL wide receiver Antwaan Randle-El is set to join the Chicago Bears as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach under new head coach Ben Johnson, according to multiple reports. The move marks a significant step in Randle-El’s coaching career and a homecoming for the Harvey, Illinois, native.

Randle-El, who played 10 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington, has been coaching since 2019. He began as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Detroit Lions as wide receivers coach in 2021. His promotion to assistant head coach in Chicago comes as Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator, takes the reins as the Bears’ head coach.

“Randle-El is following Ben Johnson to Chicago,” ESPN‘s Adam Schefter reported on social media. The Bears are finalizing the deal, which will reunite Randle-El with Johnson, whom he worked alongside in Detroit.

Randle-El’s NFL playing career included a memorable Super Bowl XL victory with the Steelers, where he threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward on a trick play. After retiring in 2012, he transitioned to coaching, earning praise for his work with Detroit’s receiving corps.

In addition to Randle-El, the Bears are reportedly hiring Al Harris as defensive passing game coordinator. Harris, a former Packers cornerback, spent the past four seasons as the Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive backs coach. His arrival bolsters a Bears defense looking to improve its secondary.

Harris and Johnson have a history dating back to 2012, when both were assistants with the Miami Dolphins. Harris later worked with Bears general manager Ryan Poles during his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bears’ coaching staff overhaul comes as the team aims to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season. With Johnson leading the charge and experienced assistants like Randle-El and Harris on board, Chicago hopes to build a competitive roster for 2025.