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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 14: Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears look on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field on December 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears surprised a lot of people after winning the NFC North and a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. First-year head coach Ben Johnson was able to accomplish so much in such a short span of time, and teams around the league definitely noticed.
With all the success Chicago enjoyed, there comes a price. Multiple teams have reached out to interview Johnson’s assistants, with defensive backs/passing game coordinator Al Harris interviewing for multiple openings with various teams, and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle having some attention from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Yet, there is some good news for the Bears. Doyle, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Eagles’ OC vacancy.
“Doyle opts to remain in Chicago, working with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams,” Russini added. It’s great news for the Bears, but a harsh reality check for the Eagles
Eagles Given a Harsh Reality Check With the Latest Declan Doyle News
The Eagles had a lot of problems this season, there’s no doubt about that. Frustrations on the sideline with star players like A.J. Brown, trying to implement a ‘positivity rabbit’ in the locker room, and regression from quarterback Jalen Hurts.
But one major problem that Philadelphia hasn’t seemed to fix is the revolving door at offensive coordinator.
It started with Shane Steichen during the 2021-2022 season, where he was great but quickly left to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Ever since then, the Eagles just can’t find stability.
Brian Johnson for the 2023 season, Kellen Moore during the 2024 season, and now Kevin Patullo last year.
It’s hard for the OC on the Eagles to have success when the team is dealing with all these problems, both on and off the field. Doyle must have recognized that his chances of success are higher if he stayed in Chicago, rather than leaving for Philly to become the Eagles’ OC.
Declan is Staying, But Will Al Harris?
Even if Doyle isn’t calling the plays on offense in Chicago, it’s good to have some continuity for Williams, especially after going through the mess he went through during his rookie year.
But the chances of keeping Harris on the Bears’ coaching staff are slim.
According to Chicago Tribune senior writer Brad Biggs, new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy loves Harris and could lure him to Pittsburgh to become the team’s defensive coordinator.
“Obviously, Al played for the Packers when Mike was the coach in Green Bay,” Biggs said. “When Mike got the job in Dallas, Al had already had some experience as a coach in the league. He worked with the Chiefs, had a brief stop with the Dolphins.”
Essentially, Biggs mentioned how McCarthy wanted ecstatic to talk about Harris and mentioned how Al wanted the “very best” from the practice squad wide receivers during his time in Green Bay, and even gave them cash to encourage them despite not making as much money as the guys on the 53-man roster.
There’s a lot to like with Harris, and the way he’s elevated the play of the Bears’ cornerbacks is evidence of just how seriously he takes his job. Teams either know this or are figuring it out, and would love to snatch him away from the Bears.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. More about Isaac Zuniga
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