LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears have introduced two new coordinators under head coach Ben Johnson, each bringing a unique level of coaching experience. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen boasts a wealth of experience with two previous stints as an NFL head coach, while offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, at just 28 years old, is the youngest coordinator currently in the league.
Allen, who worked alongside Doyle for four years in New Orleans, sees tremendous potential in him to invigorate Johnson’s offensive strategy. “From the moment you meet him, you can tell he’s highly intelligent and has a comprehensive understanding of the game,” Allen commented. “He comes with a variety of perspectives, and I believe he’s a talented young coach destined for success.”
Doyle held the position of tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos before joining the Bears. He spent five years under head coach Sean Payton, including a three-year tenure with the Saints. When asked about his age and its impact on players, he expressed confidence that expertise is what ultimately matters. “Knowledge is power,” Doyle emphasized. “I’m entering my tenth year in coaching, and the players continuously value what you bring to the table.”
In his new role, Johnson will take on play-calling duties, and Doyle described his position as a facilitator within that process. “It’s an evolving situation as we figure out what that will involve,” Doyle explained. “My responsibility is to organize and detail the game plan initially with help from our staff.”
Reflecting on his experience with Payton and quarterback Bo Nix, who made a strong Pro Bowl push as a rookie, Doyle expressed optimism that the same success could be achieved with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. “The talent and athleticism of Caleb are undeniable,” he noted. “He displays toughness and has impressive skills based on what I’ve seen on tape.”
Significantly, Doyle highlighted Williams’ ability to create plays under pressure, drawing parallels to his experience with Nix in Denver. “What stands out is his knack for evading pressure and compensating for game plan errors, a quality that excites me about his game,” he said.
Unlike Doyle, experience is abundant on the defensive side with Allen at the helm. Having coached the Saints from 2022 to 2024 and the Raiders prior, as well as holding defensive coordinator roles for eight years, Allen is well-prepared to lead the Bears’ defense. He assumes control of a unit that experienced a decline after a promising start last season under former coach Matt Eberflus. Allen sees great potential in Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson and other key players.
“There are promising elements in our secondary and at linebacker, and we have a few players on the defensive line worth mentioning,” he commented. “I believe the foundational pieces are in place for a strong defense. When Ben reached out, I felt that Chicago was in a position to become a competitive football team.”
The Bears’ defense showed promise during a late 2023 turnaround, although they struggled to maintain that momentum, leading to a disappointing 5-12 record in 2024. Allen praised their length and size at the cornerback position, specifically noting Kyler Gordon’s capabilities as a nickel player. “I have a vision for utilizing our strengths effectively,” he added. “The groundwork is laid for our intended direction.”
