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Lions Coach Following Ben Johnson to the Bears

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By John Vaccaro | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 8:28 PM ET

The hits just keep on coming for the Detroit Lions.

Less than a week removed from their playoff elimination, the Lions have already lost their offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach from the 2024 season.

The OC departure was particularly painful for the Lions and their fans as Ben Johnson left to become the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Now fans are likely going to be even more upset about Johnson's decision as he has made things worse by poaching one of the Lions' coaches to join his staff in Chicago.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El will be leaving to become the assistant head coach/wide receivers coach of the Bears.

Bears are working to finalize a deal to make former Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El their new assistant head coach/wr coach, per source. Randle El is following Ben Johnson to Chicago. pic.twitter.com/07O2FkxBQn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2025

Randle El had spent the past four seasons in his role with the Lions and had some major success over that time.

He helped Amon-Ra St. Brown go from fourth-round pick to bonafide superstar. This past season he helped Jameson Williams have a rare third-year breakout after a disappointing first two seasons.

Now he'll head to a Bears team that also has a very talented group at wide receiver.

D.J. Moore has been a consistent producer throughout his career, eclipsing 1000 yards in four of seven seasons despite years of questionable QB play.

The Bears also have Rome Odunze, who was a highly-touted prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class and was drafted ninth overall after a dominant couple of seasons at Washington.

The Lions will get to see Randle El's receivers in action a couple of times next season as part of an NFC North rivalry that will certainly have the Lions fired up after the Bears poached their coaches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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