Chicago Bears announce which members of the 2024 coaching staff will not return under new head coach Ben Johnson

As of right now, Johnson has not made any hires to his staff but noted on Wednesday during his introductory press conference that he will be speaking with multiple experienced coaches for various roles.

"After we get through this initial madness, if you will, we can get going on the coaching staff that's going to be a critical part of our success," Johnson explained. "I really believe that we're going to be able to find some great candidates out there that want to come to Chicago for a number of reasons, but they will be able to help guide and show me the way."

The biggest loss on the staff is going to be Thomas Brown. With the Bears in 2024, Brown went from passing game coordinator, to interim offensive coordinator, to interim head coach in a span of a few days because of the trust and respect he earned from his players. Brown is a smart offensive-mind and getting the head coaching experience down the stretch will be key for his future positions. Brown has already interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator job and is being strongly considered to join Mike Vrabel's offensive staff with the New England Patriots.

Chris Beatty also joined the staff in 2024 coming over from the Los Angeles Chargers in a lateral move. Beatty's connection with veteran Keenan Allen paved the way to land in Chicago while also mentoring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and the rest of the wide receiver room. After Brown was promoted to interim head coach, Beatty took over the interim offensive coordinator duties for the remainder of the season.

Kerry Joesph was a key part of the staff when it came to developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Finding a quarterbacks coach that can replace Joesph and continue aiding the quarterback's development will be important for Johnson.

Chris Morgan spent three seasons in Chicago working with the offensive line that struggled mightily during the 2024 season. In the two seasons prior, the unit ranked among the best in the league in run-blocking. However, the issues in pass protection glared more than ever in 2024 when the unit allowed a league-high 68 sacks.

Eric Washington joined the Bears in 2024 taking over defensive coordinator duties. Washington's excellent work with the defensive line was a strong fit alongside Matt Eberflus, who called the defense and worked mainly with the secondary. However, after Eberflus was fired, Washington took over the play-calling duties for the entire unit down the stretch. Johnson is expected to hire an experienced defensive coordinator to replace Washington and run the defensive side of the ball.

One assistant who's position with the team is still in the air is special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. Soon after Johnson was hired, former New Orleans Saints' interim head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was linked to the position, but he also has other offers from other teams and is now not expected to join Johnson's staff. Instead, Johnson could consider bringing Hightower back.

We will continue updating if any other coaching decisions are made to Johnson's staff with the Bears.