The Chicago Bears’ defensive staff continues to take shape with the recent addition of Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator. Their newest hire brings a wealth of experience—spanning over four decades—making him one of the most accomplished assistant coaches in the league.
According to Aaron Wilson from Houston’s KPRC, the Bears have hired Bill Johnson as their defensive line coach. Johnson most recently held the same position with the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.
With over 45 years of coaching experience in the NCAA, NFL, and UFL, Johnson’s resume is extensive. He started his career in 1980 at Northwestern State as a graduate assistant before stepping into a coaching role with the defensive line and outside linebackers. In 2001, he made his NFL debut with the Atlanta Falcons as defensive line coach.
During his time with Atlanta, Johnson crossed paths with Dennis Allen, who was working as a defensive quality control coach. Johnson’s impressive track record includes coaching elite players like Aaron Donald, Cam Jordan, Rod Coleman, and Patrick Kerney across his stints with the Falcons, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams. He’s also earned National Championships with LSU (2019) and Miami (1987), as well as a Super Bowl ring (XLIV) and a UFL title (2024).
With promising players like DT Gervon Dexter Sr. and DE Montez Sweat already in place, the addition of Johnson to the staff could help the Bears’ defensive front become a formidable force. It’s a perfect match for Dennis Allen’s vision of a more aggressive defensive approach.