The new Chicago Bears coaching staff under new hire head coach Ben Johnson has rounded itself out.
Chicago announced that it has added Dennis Allen and Declan Doyle as its defensive and offensive coordinator, respectively, on Tuesday. Johnso also added Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator.
"As we embark on the next phase of our operation, I am thrilled to welcome Dennis and Declan to the Bears, and I am excited that Richard will continue to lead our special teams corps," said head coach Ben Johnson per the team's website.
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"The Chicago Bears have a storied history on the defensive side of the ball, and Dennis' experience, leadership and apt for adaptivity will be critical for the development of our players and our team. A great defensive mind with NFL head coach acumen, I look forward to Dennis coordinating our defense and helping lead our team."
Allen joins the Bears as defensive coordinator with nearly 30 years of coaching experience. He's coming from being the New Orleans Saints' head coach over the last three seasons and has been their defensive play-caller since 2015. Under his leadership, the Saints were the only NFL team to rank in the top 10 for points allowed per game in each of his final four seasons (2020-23).
Over the last four years, the Saints finished as a top-10 defense under Allen's leadership three times two of which were in the top five (he was the defensive coordinator for one of those seasons).
Doyle joins the Bears after spending the last two seasons as the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos.
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In 2024, he helped propel a rebounding Broncos offense to ranking top-10 in both points per game and red-zone TD percentage while making the playoffs. In his first season in 2023, Doyle helped Denver record its most wins (8) since 2016.
"A sharp, innovative offensive mind, Declan's work ethic and attitude will be a tremendous asset as we work to build our offensive unit," said Johnson. "Declan brings a unique skillset rooted in attention to detail, as well as individual development and collective growth."
Hightower will return to New Orleans for his fourth season as the special teams coach.
He continues his resume with 18 years of NFL coaching experience with a proven track record in the special teams department. In 2024, the Bears had three NFC Special Teams Player of the Week winners, the second time in franchise history with multiple recipients in a season.
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