The additions to Ben Johnson’s first staff as Chicago Bears head coach continue to roll in at Halas Hall.
A new defensive line coach is on the way. CBS Sports and 247 Sports college football reporter Matt Zenitz has the scoop on Jeremy Garrett joining Chicago’s football team:
The #Bears are expected to hire Jeremy Garrett as their new defensive line coach, sources tell @CBSSports/@247sports.
Worked for the Jaguars this season. The ex-Ole Miss defensive lineman previously worked at Auburn, Liberty and as an assistant DL coach for the Browns.โฆ pic.twitter.com/1RlacQsPq4— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 4, 2025
Jeremy Garrett was most recently with the Jacksonville Jaguars working as the defensive line coach on Doug Pederson’s staff. Garrett joins Passing Game Coordinator Press Taylor as coaches on the new-look Bears staff who were in Jacksonville last year. That is an odd nugget, but one worth sharing (if only as a reminder that you never know what type of connections will lead to any number of different coaches coming to your favorite team).
Jeremy Garrett to join the new Bears coaching staff โ who is he?
Unless you are someone who studies defensive line coaches around the league, then Jeremy Garrett is likely a relative unknown in your circle. And since I am not obsessively watching over DL Coach hirings and firings or too proud to act like I know what I don’t know, I’ll note that we are all learning about Chicago’s new defensive line coach together. With that being said, let’s take a look at his recent coaching history:
- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Defensive line coach (2024)
- AUBURN TIGERS: Defensive line coach (2023)
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY: Defensive line coach (2022)
- CLEVELAND BROWNS: Assistant defensive line coach (2020-21)
I find it to be a good thing that Jeremy Garrett has ample experience coaching defensive lines because he will need to tap into it as he inherits a group that could use some direction and development. The Chicago Bears’ defensive line was not a strength last season. Opposing offenses gashed the “D” in the run game early and often. And when it came to rushing the passer, Bears defensive linemen left much to be desired. This isn’t to say that the Bears don’t have capable players in the trenches. But the group that Chicago’s football team was trotting out there did not play to its potential. Perhaps a new defensive coordinator and position coach will get the arrow pointing in the right direction.
It will be interesting to see who Jeremy Garrett will be coaching on the Bears defensive line when training camp opens later this summer. Defensive end Montez Sweat and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. are building blocks for this group. But after that, we are met with a handful of question marks. How will defensive tackle Andrew Billings perform after a season-ending injury? Where is rising second-year defensive end Austin Booker in his development? Will the Bears bring on another defensive lineman to boost the group via free agency or the NFL Draft?
For what it’s worth, new Bears Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen hinted at the defensive line being a place where the team seeks upgrades in the offseason. I am curious to see if Chicago’s new defensive play-caller will have some sway with General Manager Ryan Poles. If he does, then I can see the team making a splash addition in free agency or the draft. Throwing assets at players in the trenches would be a sensible way for the Bears to use their abundant salary cap space. And with an extra second-round pick at their disposal, Chicago’s front office could swing a trade (Myles Garrett, anyone?) if it is feeling creative.