New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been busy putting together his coaching staff since being hired a little over a week ago, and so far, it's been an impressive bunch.
Johnson has been plucking from coaches who he either has a connection with from Detroit or some who have been discipled under Sean Payton, for the most part. Along with those trends, Johnson is also following another popular trend in hiring coaches who have played the game themselves.
The Bears' new quarterbacks coach is J.T. Barrett, who coached alongside Johnson in Detroit and is a former standout at Ohio State.
It looks like Johnson isn't done adding former quarterbacks to the coaching staff, either. Per NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the Bears have requested to interview current Washington Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough for their passing game coordinator position.
Blough went undrafted out of Purdue back in 2019 before being signed by the Cleveland Browns. He then spent time with the Lions, Vikings and Cardinals before one more stint with the Lions again, to finish his pro career.
And, there's the connection. The last team he was with? Detroit, in the 2023 season. This past year was the first of his coaching career.
David Blough would help Ben Johnson continue bucking the trend
In addition to Barrett, the Bears also hired Antwaan Randle El as their wide receivers and assistant head coach, bringing him over from Detroit. Johnson also brought in former Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Al Harris to be the team's pass game coordinator.
Bears fans might recognize Harris as an old nemesis for his playing days in Green Bay.
More Bears news:
Thus far, Johnson is doing his best to add former players to this team which has worked out well for many coaches around the league. Heck, look at Dan Campbell and the Lions. Campbell, a former player, coached under Sean Payton for a while.
Look at the Lions, now.
It is no coincidence that Johnson is doing a lot of similar things Campbell did with the Lions. He's doing his best to assemble a staff full of former players who understand the game on the level which it should be understood.
In Johnson's opening press conference, he made a point specifically to his players about doing everything possible to support them. Noting that this was all about getting the best out of his players, he made it very clear he and his staff will do whatever they can to support the roster.
By hiring several people who have stood in their shoes, Johnson is off to one heck of a start.