The Chicago Bears will look strikingly different in 2025 despite bringing back so many starters from 2024, and the main reason why is because of the coaching staff.
Offensively, not much will change personnel-wise outside of three new starters expected to be added up-front and a much stronger offensive scheme under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Defensively, that’s where we might see the majority of the changes with Dennis Allen taking over the unit. Allen’s scheme is much different than the “bend but don’t break” conservative scheme Matt Eberflus implemented.
Allen’s defense is build on attacking, both in the secondary and on the defensive front. That means more big plays allowed, but also more big plays for the defense in terms of sacks and turnovers.
The biggest change in the secondary will come with star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who will be more likely to shadow opposing #1s instead of locking down one side of the field. And this aggressive-style defense will be great for safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker and nickel Kyler Gordon being able to move down and make plays.
As for the defensive line, Allen’s history shows that he prefers long-lengthy edge rushers with explosive defensive tackles inside. Right now, the Bears have one of each in Montez Sweat (a long-limbed edge rusher) and Andrew Billings (a stout nose tackle with incredible explosiveness as a pass rusher).
One spot that could be altered is at the 3-tech on the interior, according to CHGO’s Adam Hoge based on what he heard at the 2025 Combine last week.
Gervon Dexter Sr. held that role in 2024 and put together a breakout season, but now a new role might be in play for 2025 under Allen. Dexter doesn’t really fit what Allen prefers out of his 3-tech up-front, but he could be an ideal edge defender for Allen.
In fact, Dexter’s new role would be perfect to fill the void left by releasing veteran DeMarcus Walker, as a player who can move inside and off the edge interchangeably.
Playing off the edge is something Dexter already has some experience in as well in 2024 after slimming down during last offseason. Dexter still was listed 6’6, 312 pounds so ideally he can shed a few more pounds to fully move opposite Montez Sweat.
Moving Dexter out of the 3-tech spot doesn’t mean his future with the team is in jeopardy or anything like that. He’s still a highly productive player who would just rotate inside and outside on the D-Line.
What does that mean for the offseason plans? Not having Dexter locked up inside allows the Bears to invest in either a top edge rusher or a top 3-tech. Inside, guys like Milton Williams in free agency or Mason Graham in the first-round come to mind. Off the edge, look at free agent players like Khalil Mack or Dayo Odeyingbo, who each fit Allen’s ideal type, to fully round out that position.
Adding one of even two of those players above plus moving Dexter around would give the Bears a deep and versatile rotation that can create an impact an opposing offense on all three downs.