The Detroit Lions have lost two more assistant coaches, as former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now takes them to the Chicago Bears. Initially, there was optimism that offensive line coach Hank Fraley would remain with the Lions after being given the added role of run game coordinator. However, by Friday night, two other coaches were reported to be heading to Chicago.
First, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El is joining the Bears as assistant head coach/wide receivers coach under Johnson. Shortly after, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that Lions assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett is also moving to Chicago to serve as the Bears’ quarterbacks coach, working with Caleb Williams. Both coaches are receiving promotions in the process.
Barrett, whose move to the Bears was anticipated in May, announced the change on his Instagram. He previously played quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading them to the 2014 national title. After transitioning to coaching, Barrett joined the Lions in 2022, initially as an offensive assistant before taking on the assistant quarterbacks coach role. He’s worked closely with Detroit’s quarterbacks, including Hendon Hooker.
Randle El, hired by Lions head coach Dan Campbell in 2021, has been praised for his work with the team’s wide receivers, helping players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond excel. His success in this role led to him being considered for offensive coordinator positions, and now, with the Bears, he’s one step closer to his goal of becoming a head coach. Randle El’s move to Chicago is also a return to his home state of Illinois.
Both coaches are now set for new challenges under Ben Johnson’s leadership with the Bears, marking a significant shift for the Lions’ staff.
