Shortly after Johnson was hired, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears were zeroing in on former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen to serve as the team's defensive coordinator. While it's since been quiet, the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs believes the Bears will be hiring Allen as their defensive coordinator soon.

When looking ahead to free agency in March, the edge rushing position is a huge need that the Chicago Bears will need to fill. Ever since the team acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington in 2023, there hasn’t been much help to go alongside him.

The Bears have talent covered at many defensive positions for coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme but may need to add at a position where bargain free agents exis