Intel: Ben Johnson Is Hoping To Bring An Old Friend Onto Bears Coaching Staff
The Chicago Bears are in the process of making their first tweaks to the coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season. Eric Bieniemy left for Kansas City, meaning they need at least a running backs coach. It is possible they may also need a defensive backs coach as well if Al Harris leaves for one of the defensive coordinator jobs he’s interviewing for. Head coach Ben Johnson doesn’t seem idle. He already lured Will Lawing, an old friend and offensive coordinator at Boston College, to Chicago. It’s possible he isn’t done.
Longtime NFL offensive lineman Dan Skipper announced his retirement this week. He spent almost a decade in the league as a rotational offensive lineman, winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2018. Most of his playing time occurred with the Detroit Lions, during which he earned tons of respect as a teammate and leadership presence. Johnson spent six seasons with Skipper in Detroit. It appears the former player is looking to transition into coaching, already earning a job at the East-West Shrine Bowl ahead of the draft this April.
SM has learned that Johnson is hoping to lure him to Chicago once that is done.
Ben Johnson knows what kind of help Skipper brings.
His reputation in Detroit was one of toughness, resilience, and a selfless mentality that soon permeated the locker room. His presence made it far easier for Johnson to install the difficult offensive system he wanted in Detroit. So it should be a surprise the Bears head coach wants a reunion. Whether that happens depends on what Skipper’s prospects are. It is possible the Lions will wish to bring him back on their own staff, but that is uncertain with a new offensive coordinator coming in. Drew Petzing may have other guys in mind.
It’s worth noting the Bears don’t have an assistant offensive line coach on their staff. It would be easy for Ben Johnson to create one if he wants to bring Skipper in. That would be the perfect place for him to start. It might also give the Bears some insurance in case Dan Roushar decides to retire at some point in the future. That would give somebody Johnson can trust to take over and knows the offense inside and out. This will be something to watch over the next month.