Bears interview former DB Chris Harris for coaching job

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chicago Bears have requested permission to interview Washington Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris.

The Bears have requested permission to interview Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris for a defensive position, per source. As a player, Harris was a sixth-round pick of Chicago in 2005 and played four seasons there. His name has come up for potential DC jobs, as well.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 20, 2023

It’s unclear what role Harris would serve for the Bears. The job is described as a “defensive position.”

Harris is a name Bears fans should recognize. Chicago selected him in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Bears, starting 39 games and totaling 10 interceptions. He served as Chicago’s defensive quality control coach from 2013-15.

Harris has served as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive backs coach (2016-19) and has been with the Commanders since 2020.

The Chicago Bears ranked 32nd in team defense in 2022, and while it’s true the team needs an injection of talent on that side of the ball, defensive coordinator Alan Williams must improve too. Perhaps adding a coach like Harris, who has roots with the Bears organization, will help.

The Bears haven’t announced any hiring on the defensive staff, but Chris Harris’ name is certainly one to monitor in the coming days.