Al Harris: Key Departure in Cowboys' Coaching Shake-Up

Al Harris' Impact on Cowboys

FRISCO, Texas — The recent departure of Mike McCarthy is having a ripple effect as the Dallas Cowboys search for a new head coach while their list of assistant and position coaches also remain unsigned, their contracts having expired on Jan. 14, and Al Harris has become the latest to exit the organization.

New Role with the Bears

Harris has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears to join them as their passing game coordinator for 2025 and beyond. He was tapped by incoming head coach Ben Johnson, returning to the familiar confines of the NFC North where he spent eight seasons of his All-Pro and Pro Bowl career with the Green Bay Packers.

Coaching Accomplishments

Having spent the last several seasons developing talent such as Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland in Dallas — two record-setting All-Pro cornerbacks — along with helping to elevate Jourdan Lewis to an All-Pro level in 2024, Harris is one of the most well-respected up-and-coming young football minds who has successfully converted his former high level of NFL play into an ability to coach at the professional level.

He earned a promotion under Mike McCarthy to assistant head coach in 2024, after having served as defensive backs coach from 2020 through the 2023 season, also retaining the latter responsibilities under Mike Zimmer, who served as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys this past season.

What Lies Ahead for the Cowboys?

Harris leaves quite the sizable void that must now be filled, and quickly, by Dallas. Other notable departures include John.