The 2025 season did not go as well for the Chicago Bears on defense, with first-year defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coming off a failed head coach run with the New Orleans Saints.
While the Bears still made the postseason, Allen's defense struggled, ranking in the bottom 10 in total yards and points allowed. ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin is interested in seeing how the defense is going to look in Allen's second season on the job.
"The Bears' defensive coordinator put the onus on himself and his staff to coach more effectively this season by focusing less on scheme and more on fundamentals. How that looks with so many new additions, from safeties Dillon Thieneman and Coby Bryant to linebacker Devin Bush and rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad, along with returning players, will be spotlighted during minicamp. How much work -- if any -- nickel corner Kyler Gordon is able to do will also be looked at closely. Gordon's availability has been an issue as another soft tissue injury has kept him sidelined during OTAs."
Should Bears fans be concerned about Dennis Allen and the defense in 2026?
Chicago lacked the pass rush in 2025, and Bears general manager Ryan Poles did absolutely nothing about it after having just 33 sacks in 17 regular season games. Allen is going to have to get the most out of Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and Dayo Odeyingbo.
The additions who can have the biggest impact on the Bears are at safety between Coby Bryant and rookie Dillon Thieneman. They are placing All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, who are some big shoes to fill, but the potential is there for a long run of great success back there.
Bush might be the safest addition and a good one for the Bears this offseason. He's been a great tackler and will be able to replace Tremaine Edmunds easily in coverage and in stopping the run.
Chicago's secondary is a massive concern not only at safety but, more importantly, at cornerback. Gordon's injury concerns are the biggest headache, alongside the fact that the Bears have to put their trust in Tyrique Stevenson to start at CB2. Maybe Muhammad will end up having a bigger impact in 2026 than some think, but the Bears need to get that figured out.
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Allen has some pieces to work with there and will be facing more pressure in Year 2 to coach up the defense better. Questions about his future will start to rise if that 2025 performance comes back for an encore.
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