Ben Johnson, Bears Poach Member of Dan Campbell's Lions Coaching Staff

Detroit loses its fourth assistant coach this offseason.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell stand on the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game. | Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

After four years in Detroit, Antwaan Randle El is packing his bags for Chicago.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday, citing sources, that the Chicago Bears are working toward a deal to make Randle El, the Detroit Lions' former wide receivers coach, their new assistant head coach and receivers coach.

Randle El will follow former Lions offensive coordinator and new Chicago head coach Ben Johnson to the Bears.

Bears are working to finalize a deal to make former Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El their new assistant head coach/wr coach, per source. Randle El is following Ben Johnson to Chicago. pic.twitter.com/07O2FkxBQn

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2025

Randle El is the fourth Lions assistant to depart this offseason, joining Johnson, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was hired as the New York Jets' head coach, and defensive line coach Terrell Williams, the New England Patriots' new defensive coordinator.

Randle El, who played nine seasons as a receiver in the NFL, joined coach Dan Campbell's staff as the WR coach after two years as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Lions won a franchise-record 15 games in 2024 but were upset 45–31 by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round last weekend.

---