Bears to interview AFC South coach for defensive coordinator

For the second year in a row, Titans defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Chris Harris has been a popular candidate to become a first-time defensive coordinator in the NFL. His most recent opportunity will take him back to Chicago, where he will interview for the Bears defensive coordinator position, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Harris’ NFL career began as a sixth-round draft pick for the Bears out of Louisiana-Monroe. Even as a late-round pick, Harris earned a starting role as a rookie and after being traded back-and-forth from the Panthers, Harris left Chicago as a well-respected defender in the Windy City.

The former NFL safety began his coaching career almost immediately after announcing his retirement. Just as his playing career did, Harris’ coaching career began with the Bears, as well. After two years as Chicago’s defensive quality control coach, Harris earned the assistant defensive backs coaching job with the Chargers. He got his first full position coaching job in 2020 in Washington, staying with the Commanders until 2022. He joined Mike Vrabel’s staff in Tennessee for the 2023 season, leaving Washington for the position he holds now.

Before officially heading to Nashville, though, Harris interviewed for a couple defensive coordinator jobs in Houston and San Francisco. Ultimately, he did join the Titans and spent 2023 in Tennessee. That trend has continued into 2024 as, once again, multiple teams are interested in interviewing Harris to potentially call plays for their defenses. This past week, the Jaguars interviewed Harris as an option to replace Mike Caldwell as defensive coordinator.

Now, the Bears will have an opportunity to interview Harris, as well, and better yet, an opportunity to bring him back to Chicago. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus found himself serving double duty after defensive coordinator Alan Williams re-signed extremely early in the season. Eberflus remaining on staff would be ideal for a first-year coordinator like Harris, providing a safety net and sage advice in their first year calling plays. Harris could be a perfect fit returning to Chicago.