Bad news for Bears fans… The Green Bay Packers may have found their next defensive coordinator by looking directly at what’s been powering the Chicago Bears’ defensive resurgence.
Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris interviewed Wednesday for Green Bay’s open defensive coordinator position according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Harris is also scheduled to interview with the Washington Commanders, a sign that league-wide interest in one of Chicago’s most influential assistants is gaining real momentum.
What started as a strong first season in Chicago has quickly (and unfortunately) turned into a legitimate coordinator cycle.
Why Harris is drawing real coordinator interest
GettyBears Defensive Backs Coach Al Harris With Tom Brady
Al Harris just completed his first season on the Bears’ staff, and the defensive turnaround was impossible to miss.
Under his watch, Chicago led the NFL with 23 interceptions, 33 total takeaways, and a +22 turnover differential. But now the architect behind that leap is drawing interest from the Bears’ most hated rival.
Green Bay is currently searching for a new defensive coordinator after Jeff Hafley departed to become the Miami Dolphins head coach. And Harris stands out for reasons that go beyond recent production.
Cause not only did he just produce elite results in Chicago, he is deeply tied to the Packers’ organization.
Harris spent 7 seasons in Green Bay as a player (played cornerback) from 2003 to 2010 where he started102 games and recorded 21 career interceptions.
He also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2007 and 2008, was named a second team All-Pro in 2007, and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2021.
That history turns this from a routine interview into something more personal (and potentially painful) for Chicago…
Why this would hurt the Bears
GettyBears Defensive Backs Coach Al Harris
Harris began coaching with the Dolphins in 2012 before spending six seasons on the Chiefs’ staff. He later made a brief stop at Florida Atlantic and went on to coach the Cowboys secondary from 2020 through 2024. In his final season in Dallas, Mike McCarthy elevated him to assistant head coach.
The Bears hired Harris in 2025 hoping that experience would help their secondary. It did… And faster than expected.
I mean the guy just checks every box teams look for in coordinator candidates: former elite player, long-time position coach, recent production spike, leadership experience, and strong locker-room credibility.
Washington’s interest only reinforces that point. The Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and have already interviewed several candidates like Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen and Seahawks defensive backs coach Karl Scott. Harris’ being in that group showcases he’s no longer just an up and comer, but actually a serious contender.
For now, Green Bay remains in the interview phase and has not finalized its choice. Coordinator interviews don’t always lead to hires, and the Bears could still find a way to retain Harris if openings elsewhere fill quickly. But the danger is real.
If Harris leaves (especially for Green Bay), it would be a unfortunate blow to the Chicago Bears at a time when their defense finally found its footing.
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