The Chicago Bears have made a notable addition to their coaching staff by hiring Al Harris as their new defensive passing game coordinator. This move, first reported by Cowboys writer Patrik Walker, marks a significant change for Harris, who spent the majority of his 15-year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. Now, he’ll bring his expertise to one of the Packers’ biggest rivals.
Harris built his reputation during a seven-year tenure with Green Bay, starting 102 of his 128 games with the team. Known for his physical style and stellar coverage skills, Harris was a Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and 2008, and earned a second-team All-Pro honor in 2007. His impact on the field was so substantial that he retired as a Packer in 2013 and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2021. His move to the Bears adds an interesting layer to the historic rivalry between the two teams, making it especially notable for Packers fans.
Harris’ Legacy and Rivalry Shift
Harris is remembered for key moments, including a game-sealing interception in the 2004 Wild Card playoff against the Seattle Seahawks. His leadership in the Packers’ secondary helped maintain the team’s defensive strength during the mid-2000s. His shift to the Bears, a divisional rival, adds an intriguing twist to his career. The Bears-Packers rivalry is one of the NFL’s oldest, and Harris’ new role will surely intensify the competition. Bears head coach Ben Johnson has previously stated his enjoyment of “beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” and Harris’ presence only adds to the intensity of this long-standing rivalry.
Coaching Career and Impact on the Bears
Harris began his coaching career in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins as an intern, eventually working his way up as a mentor to young defensive backs. He spent five years with the Kansas City Chiefs as a secondary coach, further solidifying his reputation as a talented developer of players. After a brief stint at Florida Atlantic University in 2019, Harris joined the Dallas Cowboys under head coach Mike McCarthy, another former Packer.
During his time with Dallas, Harris made a significant impact as the defensive backs coach, helping Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland earn All-Pro honors and playing a key role in the Cowboys’ strong pass defense. Harris helped Diggs and Bland rack up a combined 34 career interceptions, proving his ability to develop talent.
Now with the Bears, Harris will work to improve a young secondary that includes Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker. His experience and coaching acumen will be vital in helping the Bears defense compete with Green Bay’s high-powered offense and the rest of the NFC North.
Harris’ move to Chicago not only strengthens the Bears’ coaching staff but also adds a compelling chapter to his legacy. While he’ll always be connected to Green Bay, he now faces the challenge of helping the Bears rise in the NFC North, a shift sure to catch the attention of Packers fans.
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