Al

Harris

Harris continues to make the rounds for defensive coordinator openings. The former Pro Bowl corner, who entered the league as a coach in 2012, joined the Bears last offseason as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator after spending the previous five seasons with the Cowboys in a similar role. Under Harris, the Bears led the league with 33 turnovers, which included 23 interceptions. Harris most recently met with the Commanders and spent four years coaching alongside Dan Quinn during their days in Dallas. Harris seems primed to make the leap to defensive coordinator somewhere this offseason, but could have more interviews on the way as other teams continue to fill head-coaching vacancies.

Harris coached defensive backs and was the passing game coordinator for a Bears defense that led the league with 23 interceptions this season. He interviewed with the Packers for their defensive coordinator vacancy and will next interview with the Commanders. With Brian Flores signing an extension with the Vikings, the Commanders are pivoting to other options for their defensive coordinator opening.

Harris is the Bears’ defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach. He played a prominent role in building the Bears’ defense this season and is an established leader around the league. With 13 years of coaching under his belt, Harris has spent the last six season with the Cowboys and Bears. A former player for the Packers, Harris is now interviewing for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson brings in an established and well-respected leader. A 14-year veteran as a player and a 12-year veteran as a coach, Harris can help Johnson adapt in his first-team head coaching gig while meaningfully mentoring the Bears’ young, talented core. Harris was reportedly instrumental in developing Cowboys cornerbacks Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis.

If Harris doesn’t have excessive swelling in his right knee, which has a torn MCL, he stands a good chance of being in the Packers’ starting lineup, which would be a big boost with Darren Sharper unable to practice. It’s a good week to start those disappointing Redskins receivers.

His practice time may be adjusted this week. But the Packers best cornerback looks to be okay.

The team won’t rule him out, but the injury suggests a week off, especially heading into a bye week. Bet the over in Green Bay this Sunday.

Green Bay begins camp July 28 and Harris skipped all minicamps and OTAs in hopes of getting a new contract. “I’d like to come and do my job, but everyone’s got to be fair, too,” Harris said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out.” He’s thought to be unhappy with his deal in comparison to Charles Woodson’s contract.

Harris received a five-year, $18.64 million contract in September 2004. “He’s not Mike McKenzie. That’s not Al,” agent Jack Bechta said. “If we went to the Packers less than two years into a deal, you know what would happen. They wouldn’t even listen to us. Maybe at the end of the year it would be something to explore.”

Harris is going to stay away from the team’s offseason program because he’s unhappy with his contract. “Anything that’s mandatory, he’ll be at,” agent Jack Bechta said.