The Chicago Bears were extremely active this offseason in an effort to end their four-year playoff drought. It all started with naming Ben Johnson the head coach before making quality additions in free agency and the NFL draft.
While OTAs started for the Bears, an ex-member of the team recently got back into football. Former Bears WR Santonio Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University.
Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes is the new receivers coach at Central State University. https://t.co/ON4Mjbvi6A
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 22, 2025
Santonio Holmes Lands New Gig as WR Coach at Central State University
Holmes spent nine years in the NFL, playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and the Bears. His best days came with the Steelers, where he was the Super Bowl XLIII MVP. In that contest, he reeled in nine passes for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown grab.
Holmes only spent the 2014 season in the Windy City, suiting up in nine games (two starts). In those outings, he had just eight catches for 67 yards. Over the course of his career, Holmes had 389 catches for 6,030 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns.
He will be joining former NFL player Tony Carter on the staff.
In a statement released by the university, they wrote, "Now transitioning into coaching, Holmes brings NFL-caliber insight, experience, and mentorship to Central State’s wide receiver corps. His understanding of offensive schemes, attention to detail, and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football position him as a valuable asset to the Marauders' coaching staff. Holmes is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, drawing from his journey as a scholar-athlete, national champion, and professional to inspire the next generation of players."
Despite being out of the league for 11 years, he found his way back into football and will be able to help the next generation of players.