The Chicago Bears have broadened their search for a new defensive coordinator, reportedly opening up interviews to candidates outside of their own coaching staff at Halas Hall. According to a source, Chris Harris, currently the defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Titans, is set to interview for the vacant position.

Harris has a strong connection to the Bears organization, having been drafted by them in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Making an immediate impact, he started as a rookie at free safety. Harris played under head coach Lovie Smith, whose defensive system bears similarities to the one implemented by current Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. It is worth noting that Eberflus also follows the H.I.T.S. principles, which Harris would be familiar with from his time in Chicago.

Upon retiring from playing in 2012, Harris wasted no time in transitioning to a coaching role with the Bears, becoming a defensive quality control coach with a specialization in safeties. Harris remained with the team in this position until the end of the 2014 season. He then went on to work as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2016 to 2019 before taking a role as the defensive backs coach for the San Antonio Commanders from 2020 to 2022. Most recently, Harris served as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.

During his playing career, Harris achieved several accolades. He was honored with the Brian Piccolo Award in his rookie year of 2005 and made a memorable interception against Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl. Following a trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2007, Harris set a franchise record with eight forced fumbles. He made his return to the Bears in 2010, setting a career-high with five interceptions that season and earning his first All-Pro recognition.

In his eight-year career, Harris appeared in 101 games, recording 16 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and 439 tackles.

As the first external candidate to emerge for the Bears' defensive coordinator position, Harris brings a unique mix of playing experience, coaching expertise, and familiarity with the organization. While in-house candidates such as cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi are also expected to be interviewed, the Bears are taking a comprehensive approach by considering external options.

The team has already cast a wide net in their search for an offensive coordinator, targeting candidates from the coaching trees of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. With Chris Harris now in the mix for the defensive coordinator role, the Bears are clearly leaving no stone unturned in their quest to assemble a top-notch coaching staff for the upcoming season.