Chicago Bears get good news on top assistant coach

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 3:07 PM ET

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s coaching staff is becoming a favorite target of teams across the league looking to fill head coaching and coordinator vacancies.

Earlier this week, offesnive coordinator Declan Doyle pulled his name from consideration for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive vacancy, and as it turns out, the Bears might even be one step closer to keeping another rising star in Chicago for at least another season.

Chicago Bears’ Al Harris might not be on Pittsburgh Steelers’ wishlist

Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris is widely viewed as a rising star in the coaching community, and was instrumental in powering Chicago’s defense to leading the league in takeaways this past season.

Not surprisingly, Harris has been linked to multiple defensive coordinator vacancies, and taken interviews throughout this hiring cycle.

However, at least one role that Harris isn’t in the running for (for now) is on new head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mark Kaboly reports that Harris isn’t among the initial candidates for the Steelers’ defensive coordinator job.

“The Steelers will interview Las Vegas DC Patrick Graham for their defensive coordinator spot,” Kaboly posted on X. “As well as Jason Simmons. Al Harris is not on their initial list, although there are strong ties between Harris and Mike McCarthy.” Harris was on McCarthy’s staff with the Dallas Cowboys, and played for McCarthy with the Green Bay Packers. For now, at least, it seems that Pittsburgh is one destination the Bears don’t have to worry about losing Harris to.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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