Much has been made about the Chicago Bears and their search for an offensive coordinator this offseason, but they’re still in the market for a defensive coordinator as well and look to be targeting an old friend for the job.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bears are interviewing Tennessee Titans pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Chris Harris for their defensive coordinator position. Harris played for the Bears from 2005–2006 and 2010–2011 before getting into coaching.
#Titans defensive pass game coordinator/CBs coach Chris Harris will interview for the #Bears defensive coordinator job, per source.
A onetime Bears draft pick who became a highly respected player in Chicago, Harris also interviewed for the #Jaguars DC job this past week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 21, 2024
Harris was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft and became a quality starting safety. He played a key role on the Bears’ stout defense and helped them get to Super Bowl XLI. After being traded to the Carolina Panthers, Harris returned in 2010 and 2011. He totaled 16 interceptions throughout his career, 10 of which came when he was with the Bears.
After his playing days, Harris turned to coaching and was on Marc Trestman’s staff as a defensive quality control coach from 2013–2014. He then spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers as an assistant defensive backs coach (2016–2019) and the Washington Commanders as their defensive backs coach (2020–2022). Harris interviewed for a job on the Bears staff last year before ultimately joining the Titans.
With Harris coaching the Titans defensive backs, Tennessee was middle of the road when it came to pass defense. They were 18th in passing yards allowed per game (227.4), but had the fewest interceptions (6) and pass breakups (55) in the league last year.
Still, Harris has been a rising coach for the last few years and would be a good fit for the Bears. With Matt Eberflus likely holding onto playcalling responsibilities, Harris could continue to grow into the role and help develop Chicago’s young defensive unit, especially their secondary, with his former position coach Jon Hoke.
Harris is the first publicly known candidate for the role and likely won’t be the last.
