The Chicago Bears' defense made significant strides under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen during the 2025 season, which helped them get into the postseason. Allen, who spent the previous three seasons as a head coach, jumped back into the DC role on head coach Ben Johnson's staff.
The Bears led the NFL in takeaways (33), which was an improvement from Chicago’s defense in 2024 ( ranked 11th with 24). However, they weren’t the best in pass coverage and stopping the run, but considering what Allen had to work with, it's a step in the right direction.
That being said, if the Bears can make roster improvements and Allen turns this defense into a top-10 unit in 2026, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get another head coaching opportunity. And if that does happen for the former New Orleans Saints head coach, the Bears could have the perfect candidate waiting in the wings next offseason.
On Friday, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is walking away from the Cleveland Browns. Rapoport adds that the Browns tried to bring him back, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic also reports that Schwartz is expected to sit out this upcoming season.
Jim Schwartz Could Become Prime Target for Bears if Dennis Allen Departs Next Season
The 59-year-old Schwartz is considered one of the top coordinators in the NFL, no matter the side of the ball. The veteran defensive coordinator was reportedly in the running for the Browns’ head coaching job before they pivoted to Todd Monken.
That decision did not sit well with Schwartz, who wanted the job. The fact that the Browns went in another direction has led to him walking away.
For any team that wants Schwartz next season, it won’t be easy, as he’s technically still under contract with the Browns. And one would expect that the Browns wouldn’t just let him go.
That said, things could change between now and next offseason. If the Bears were to need a replacement for Allen, Schwartz would be the perfect choice. He did wonders with the Browns’ defense, which had a nice mix of vets and rookies contributing at all three levels.
This season, Cleveland was ranked third in sacks (53), third in passing yards allowed per game (167.2), 16th in rushing yards allowed per game (116.4), and 14th in scoring defense (22.3 points per game).
Despite having a worse record than the Bears, the Browns’ defense was better statistically in a few categories than Allen’s unit.
Schwartz’s scheme has proven effective over the years with various teams, as evidenced by his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. They didn’t have a Myles Garrett, but they had a good collection of talented players.
The same thing could happen in Chicago next year if Allen goes elsewhere, especially if the Bears make upgrades on the defensive line and can stay healthy in the linebacker and cornerback rooms.