Bears expected to hire Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator

The Chicago Bears officially hired Ben Johnson as they head coach, and he's already busy assembling his coaching staff.

Shortly after Johnson was hired, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears were zeroing in on former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen to serve as the team's defensive coordinator. While it's since been quiet, the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs believes the Bears will be hiring Allen as their defensive coordinator soon.

If the Bears were to land Allen, it would be a huge hire for Johnson. Not only is he a proven defensive coordinator, but he has previous head coaching experience that would help Johnson make the transition to head coach. Sure, Allen's track record as a head coach isn't encouraging -- he went 26-53 between the Saints and Raiders -- but he's being brought in to lead the defense and be a sounding board for a first-time head coach in Johnson.

Johnson discussed the importance of surrounding himself with experienced coaches that he can lean on, and Allen would certainly fit that mold.

"That's going to be a critical part of our success," Johnson said of his coaching staff. "I really believe that we're going to be able to find some great candidates out there that, that want to come to Chicago for a number of reasons. They will be able to help guide and show me the way."

So far, the Bears have requested to or have interviewed the following for defensive coordinator: Allen, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant and Minnesota Vikings passing game coordinator Daronte Jones.

Here's a look at Johnson's coaching staff so far (unofficial): Quarterbacks coach: J.T. Barrett; wide receivers coach: Antwaan Randle El; defensive passing game coordinator: Al Harris.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears expected to hire Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator