Ben Johnson describes importance of Antwaan Randle El's role with Bears

USA Today

02-03-2025

Ben Johnson describes importance of Antwaan Randle El's role with Bears
When Ben Johnson made the decision to depart as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, he brought with him Chicago native Antwaan Randle El. Joining Johnson in Chicago, Randle El will serve as both the team's wide receivers coach and assistant head coach.
The coaching staff that Johnson has built around him has been praised by his former peers and colleagues, which also contributes to the high expectations for the Bears next year. During his time in Detroit, where he served as wide receivers coach since 2021, Randle El gained a reputation as a coach with plenty of personality that was going to get the most out of his players while also holding them accountable.
That coaching style was just one of many factors that led Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to find himself in the upper echelon of top receivers in the league, having been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and a First-Team All-Pro in 2023 and 2024.
This week at the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson caught up with FOX 32's Cassie Carlson and discussed the important role that Randle El will serve for the team. Johnson explained what role Randle El will serve as his top assistant, and the importance of the role to both of them.
"He's going to be charged with not only the receiver room but really the offense, and the entire team," Johnson said. "That assistant head coach title, that means something to me, that means something to him."
Johnson also believes that Randle El will be a big reason for the team's turnaround in 2025 and beyond.
"He's really going to spearhead our turnaround here in Halas Hall and it's going to show up on Sundays going forward," Johnson said. "I think what's really going to relate to our guys is when they understand how wholesome he is and that he's really invested in not only their success as a football player, but so much more off the field than anybody would ever know. Once they get to know the true Randle El, it's going to really come to light."
Johnson will get the headlines and credit for the future success of the Bears, but assistants like Randle El will be just as critical to the team moving forward.