While Packers fans might have conflicting emotions about Harris’ move, they’ll surely be watching closely when he and the Bears face off against Green Bay…
The Chicago Bears have made a bold
addition to their coaching staff, hiring
former Green Bay Packers star Al Harris
as their new defensive passing game
coordinator. The move, first reported by
Cowboys insider Patrik Walker, marks a
significant shift for Harris, who spent the
bulk of his distinguished 15-year NFL
career in Green Bay. Now, the former Pro
Bowl cornerback will bring his defensive
expertise to one of the Packers’ most
bitter rivals, adding a new layer to the
historic NFC North rivalry.
  Harris’ Legacy with the Packers
Al Harris was a cornerstone of the Green
Bay Packers’ defense during his seven-
season tenure, starting 102 of 128 games
and earning a reputation for his
aggressive, press-coverage style. His
standout performances earned him Pro
Bowl selections in 2007 and 2008, along
with a second-team All-Pro nod in 2007.
Packers fans will forever remember his
iconic pick-six in overtime against the
Seattle Seahawks during the 2004 NFC
Wild Card game, one of the defining
moments of his career.
After wrapping up his playing career in
2013, Harris retired as a Packer and was
honored with induction into the Packers
Hall of Fame in 2021. His contributions to
Green Bay’s defensive dominance in the
mid-2000s solidified his place as one of
the franchise’s all-time greats.
Given his deep ties to Green Bay, Harris’
decision to join the Bears—a team with a
fierce and longstanding rivalry against
the Packers—has come as a shock to
many fans. It’s a move that not only
raises eyebrows but also intensifies the
already heated competition between the
two storied franchises.
  A Rivalry Renewed
The Packers-Bears rivalry is one of the
oldest and most passionate in the NFL,
and Harris’ new role in Chicago adds fuel
to the fire. Bears head coach Ben Johnson
has never been shy about his desire to
dethrone the Packers, previously
expressing his excitement in facing
Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur twice a year.
With Harris now in Chicago’s corner, the
stakes are even higher.
Harris’ insider knowledge of the Packers’
defensive philosophy and his
understanding of the NFC North
landscape could prove invaluable for the
Bears as they look to turn the tide in the
rivalry. While Packers fans may feel a
sense of betrayal, Harris sees it as an
opportunity to bring his wealth of
experience to a new challenge.
  Coaching Journey and Success
Harris’ transition from player to coach
has been marked by steady growth and
success. His coaching career began in
2012 with the Miami Dolphins as an
intern, where he honed his skills in
mentoring young defensive backs. He
later spent five seasons with the Kansas
City Chiefs, where he helped shape a
formidable secondary and solidified his
reputation as a developer of talent.
After a brief stint at Florida Atlantic
University in 2019, Harris joined the
Dallas Cowboys under former Packers
head coach Mike McCarthy. In Dallas, he
played a key role in molding elite
defensive backs like Trevon Diggs and
DaRon Bland, both of whom earned All-
Pro honors under his guidance. The
Cowboys’ secondary thrived under
Harris, producing an impressive 34
combined interceptions between Diggs
and Bland.
  Building Chicago’s Defense
Now in Chicago, Harris is tasked with
elevating a young and promising Bears
secondary featuring standout
cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique
Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and safety
Jaquan Brisker. His experience working
with top-tier talent in Dallas will be
crucial as he looks to build a defense
capable of competing with the high-
powered offenses of the NFC North,
including his former team in Green Bay.
Harris’ coaching philosophy emphasizes
aggressive, physical play—something the
Bears’ defense could greatly benefit from
as they look to establish their identity
and climb the division ranks. His
presence on the Bears’ coaching staff
brings immediate credibility and
invaluable experience to a unit that has
struggled with consistency in recent
years.
  The Bigger Picture
While Harris’ roots remain in Green Bay,
his move to Chicago signals a new
chapter in his football journey. His goal
now is to help the Bears rise to
prominence in the NFC North, a
challenge that is sure to keep Packers
fans closely watching his progress.
Whether they view him as a defector or
simply a professional making the next
logical step, one thing is certain—his
impact will be felt on both sides of the
rivalry.
With the Bears looking to turn things
around and the Packers maintaining
their dominance in the division, Al
Harris’ surprising transition only adds
more intrigue to one of football’s most
celebrated rivalries. Packers fans may
have mixed feelings, but there’s no doubt
they’ll be keeping an eye on Harris and
the Bears when they meet on the field.
