Bears' connection with Saints' staff results in defensive line hire

The Bears' coaching staff construction project took a different turn Thursday when they found help in the XFL.
Birmingham Stallions defensive line coach Bill Johnson is their new defensive line coach, a position Travis Smith held under Matt Eberflus. Johnson had been with the XFL since 2022 and had been with the Houston Roughecks, as well. Houston area NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported the signing.
There's more to this than the XFL, as it's a case of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen bringing on board another former New Orleans coach.
Johnson was the Saints defensive line coach from 2009-16 before going on to be the defensive line coach for the L.A. Rams for two seasons when they made the Super Bowl prior to going to LSU for three years.
Johnson was also the defensive line coach for the Falcons from 2001-06 and for the Denver Broncos in 2007-08.
#Bears new Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson speaking to the Media when he was with the #Saints 9 years ago
— Da Bear Cave 🐻⬇️ (@DaBearCave1920) January 30, 2025
Bill Johnson has an extensive coaching history 🐻⬇️
- Northwestern State (1980–1981) | Graduate Assistant
- Northwestern State (1982–1984) | DE coach/LB coach
- McNeese… https://t.co/cLRNbkIBK8 pic.twitter.com/uKeJp3yp3o
The 69-year-old coach was in college football from 1980-99, including a stint from 1992-99 at Texas A&M. It was at A&M where Allen first worked with Johnson. Allen was a grad assistant coach there from 1996-99 before he went on to Tulsa for two years.
Johnson coached All-Pro linemen. Aaron Donald, Cam Jordan, Rod Coleman, and Patrick Kerney.
Buy your stock on Gervon Dexter now 🔥
— Payton Gregory (@PaytonGreg13) January 30, 2025
Bill Johnson as an incredible track record working with defensive line.
Has coached the position for more than 35 years. Another hire that adds much needed expertise. https://t.co/McLytJGN8F
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