Ben Johnson didn't mince words when asked about it. He was stunned that the Dallas Cowboys let defensive backs coach Al Harris' contract expire. That made him a free agent. The new Chicago Bears head coach was not about to let such a golden opportunity slip through his fingers. Harris was offered a promotion and likely a pay raise to take over their secondary. Johnson stated it was probably the biggest get of his entire coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El.
That isn't a slight against them. It merely hammers home how well-respected Harris is. The man has a hand in developing some outstanding defensive backs in recent years. He was crucial to helping Marcus Peters become an All-Pro in Kansas City. Then he did the same with Trevon Diggs and Da'Ron Bland in Dallas. That shows the man has a process that prepares them to play against the NFL's best. A recent video of drills at OTAs reiterates this. Harris knows what his priorities are.
Al Harris already shows he understands what makes or breaks secondaries.
One thing scouts and executives always talk about with cornerbacks and safeties is hip fluidity. How smoothly are they transitioning from a straight backpedal to turning and running with their coverage assignment? It isn't a coincidence that most of the best defensive backs can do so with almost no time and without losing speed. That drill shows Al Harris understands this fundamental reality. If the Bears' secondary is going to function at a high level in Allen's new system, they must master the art of flipping the hips. They are expected to play a lot more man coverage moving forward, meaning they'll be turning and running a lot more often. Harris understands that getting them used to it as quickly as possible is vital. The man knows football. It wouldn't be surprising if he's a head coach in the near future.
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