The Chicago Bears have begun adjusting their coaching staff as they look ahead to the 2026 season. With Eric Bieniemy departing for Kansas City, the team must at minimum find a new running backs coach. There could be another opening as well if defensive backs coach Al Harris accepts one of the defensive coordinator positions he’s currently pursuing. Head coach Ben Johnson, however, isn’t waiting around. He has already reunited with a familiar face by bringing in Will Lawing, his longtime friend and the former offensive coordinator at Boston College. That move may not be the last.

Veteran NFL offensive lineman Dan Skipper officially announced his retirement earlier this week. Over nearly ten years in the league, Skipper carved out a role as a reliable depth lineman and respected locker-room presence, earning a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in 2018. His longest and most impactful stretch came with the Detroit Lions, where he became known for his leadership and team-first approach. Johnson and Skipper overlapped for six seasons in Detroit, building a strong professional relationship. Now, Skipper appears to be stepping into coaching, having already landed a role with the East-West Shrine Bowl ahead of April’s draft.

Sources indicate Johnson is interested in bringing Skipper to Chicago once that commitment wraps up.

Johnson is well aware of the value Skipper brings beyond the field. In Detroit, Skipper developed a reputation for grit, perseverance, and setting the tone in the locker room—qualities that helped Johnson implement a demanding offensive scheme. Given that history, it’s no shock Johnson would want to work with him again. Whether it happens may depend on the competition. The Lions could attempt to retain Skipper in a coaching capacity, although that outcome is less certain with Drew Petzing now overseeing the offense and potentially favoring his own hires.

It’s also notable that the Bears currently lack an assistant offensive line coach. Creating that role would be a logical way for Johnson to add Skipper to the staff and give him a natural entry point into coaching. Such a move could also serve as a long-term contingency plan should veteran offensive line coach Dan Roushar eventually step away. Having someone Johnson trusts, who already understands the system, would make any future transition far smoother.

This is a developing situation worth monitoring in the weeks ahead.