The 2024 Chicago Bears' defense was pretty horrific last year in every way. They needed someone to come in and fix all the issues this unit was having.
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is getting a fresh start with the Bears as defensive coordinator, and while he has his work cut out for him, no one can deny how good of a defensive coach he is. It's why Pro Football Network writer Jacob Infante ranked Allen at number 13 out of 32 NFL defensive coordinators going into 2025.
"After two failed stints as an NFL head coach, Dennis Allen finds himself returning to the defensive coordinator ranks. As one of the better defensive coaches in the game, this feels like an excellent way for him to extend his coaching career.
In seven seasons as the defensive coordinator in New Orleans, Allen’s defenses consistently performed above average. The Saints made the playoffs in four of those seasons. Now that he doesn’t have a bare-bones roster like he did in 2024, he could make some noise calling plays for the Chicago Bears in 2025."
Where Allen can help the Bears' defense the most in 2025
Reviewing the 2024 numbers, the Bears' defensive unit was subpar in most major categories.
Total Defense | Pass Defense | Run Defense | Points Allowed | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
354.3 (27th) | 217.9 (16th) | 136.3 (28th) | 21.8 (13th) | 24 (T-10th) |
This defense gave up a lot of yards, but was able to keep their offense in games somewhat. Unfortunately for them, the Bears were dead last in total offense in 2024.
Allen steps in with the most significant focus being on repairing the run defense. That started with adding Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo on the defensive line. Jarrett has made a career on pressuring the quarterback and stuffing the run. Odeyingbo was brought in more to help Montez Sweat in pass-rushing situations.
Sweat is looking to improve upon his 5.5 sacks last year, which was the second worst of his career. The hope is Odeyingbo can come in and attract away some of those double teams away from Sweat.
At linebacker, T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are in desperate need of a massive 2025 campaign. Despite being the top two tacklers on the team last year, they still struggled to help in stopping the run. The only other question at linebacker is whether rookie Ruben Hyppolite II or Noah Sewell ends up the third starter.
There aren't many questions in the secondary, as the unit is strongest on defense. Jaquan Brisker is back from injury with Kevin Byard III at safety to make a potent combo to start. Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon round out the cornerbacks in a group that is young and talented.
Allen has the pieces in place for most of the starters, but depth is another story. He has to figure out quickly at training camp who can jump into the rotation to play. That could end up being the biggest headache.
Read more: Former NFL QB gives blunt assessment of Caleb Williams' rookie season
Improvement is expected for the Bears in 2025 on both offense and defense. It's whether Allen can keep his defensive unit consistent throughout the season that will be another story.