Steelers insider lists Bears DBs coach Al Harris as potential defensive coordinator candidate under Mike McCarthy

In the first few hours since the Pittsburgh Steelers announced Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, the attention is turning to his coaching staff. One of his former players could also be in the mix for defensive coordinator.

The Pat McAfeee Show Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported Al Harris could be in the mix for the role. He is currently the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the Chicago Bears, and is generating buzz as a potential coordinator during this hiring cycle.

Harris and McCarthy have a connection from their time with the Green Bay Packers. Harris played for the franchise from 2003-10, meaning he overlapped with McCarthy from 2006-10. During that time, Harris made two Pro Bowls and was a second team All-Pro selection in 2007. He is also a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.

Harris also interviewed for the Packers’ defensive coordinator vacancy after Jeff Hafley’s departure and is expected to be in the mix for the same role with the Washington Commanders under Dan Quinn, according to the Chicago Tribune. However, Kaboly indicated he will also a name to watch in Pittsburgh as McCarthy builds out his staff.

“I’d keep a keen eye on Al Harris coming in as the Steelers defensive coordinator,” Kaboly wrote on X. “Harris is currently the DB coach/defensive pass game coordinator with the Bears.”

Prior to his arrival in Chicago this year under Ben Johnson, Harris spent five years on staff with the Dallas Cowboys as defensive backs coach. He took over the role in 2020 and added assistant head coach duties in 2024. The Cowboys led the league in interceptions in 2021 under Harris’ watch, and “Al Harris U” has become a moniker for how he teaches taking the ball away.

That was the case this past season with the Bears. Harris helped coach a secondary which led the league with 23 interceptions while recording 33 turnovers as a whole en route to an NFC Divisional Round appearance.

The Steelers announced McCarthy’s hiring Saturday as the franchise’s fourth coach since 1969. He will replace Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after the AFC Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans. McCarthy brings an offensive background with him to the Steelers, which is a shift from his predecessors. Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin all coached on the defensive side of the ball.