Are the Chicago Bears bringing this former player back for a fourth time?
The Chicago Bears have at least one job opening on their staff right now. We will see if any other openings become available, but right now, the team needs to fill their defensive backs coaching vacancy. James Rowe decided to leave the NFL and return to his alma mater, USF. Rowe is headed to be the Bulls’ to be their defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach. It appears that Matt Eberflus already has his sights on a couple of options.
The first name that popped up as a potential suitor is Jerry Gray. Gray is currently the defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. It was reported that the Chicago Bears requested to interview him for an undefined defensive coaching position. The Bears also asked permission to interview Chris Harris. If you don’t remember Harris, should he return to the Bears, it would be his fourth stint with the franchise.
That’s right, Harris was drafted in the sixth round by the Chicago Bears in the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the Bears before being traded to the Carolina Panthers. Harris started to take his game up a notch and finished the 2007 season with 97 combined tackles and an interception. He even led the league with eight forced fumbles. In 2010, Harris was traded back to Chicago for a second stint. He finished with five interceptions and was a Second Team All-Pro.
Harris did not last long though. He only started three games for the Bears before being waved after Week 7 of the 2011 season. He signed on with the Detroit Lions to finish out that season. Harris didn’t return to Detroit in 2012 though, instead he caught on with the Jaguars for part of the season before retiring in 2013. It didn’t take long though for Harris to find a new path within the NFL. He turned to coaching and instantly found a spot as a quality control coach with the Bears. This was the third stint for Harris here in Chicago.
Harris was only here for two seasons though. This had more to do with Marc Trestman’s failures than Harris’ failures. Harris found his way onto the San Diego Chargers staff two years later. This time, Harris served as the assistant defensive backs coach. He held that position from 2016 to 2019. This is when he was hired by Ron Rivera to be the Washington Commander’s defensive backs coach. It will be interesting to hear exactly what the Bears are considering offering Harris should he win them over. I would think it would have to be more than just a unilateral move.
What I do know, is that should he return, it will be the former player’s fourth stint with the Chicago Bears organization. Reports are that he is more than deserving of a promotion.