Bears rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad is excited to work with defensive backs coach Al Harris, who retained his position after a successful season. Harris previously led the Bears' secondary to an NFL-high 23 interceptions and produced two Pro Bowl players.
Key points
Malik Muhammad is a rookie cornerback for the Chicago Bears.
Al Harris is the Bears' defensive backs coach.
Harris previously led the Bears to an NFL-high 23 interceptions.
The Bears retained Harris despite interest from other teams.
Muhammad has a chance to develop under Harris's coaching.
Mentioned in this story
Malik MuhammadAl HarrisKevin ByardNahshon WrightCoby BryantDillon Thieneman
Chicago Bears
Bears rookie CB Malik Muhammad eager to work with Al Harris
One of the Chicago Bears' biggest wins of the offseason was retaining defensive backs coach Al Harris, who led a secondary that had an NFL-high 23 interceptions in 2025 and produced two Pro Bowlers in safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright.
Harris drew interest for several defensive coordinator jobs during the offseason, including the Green Bay Packers, but Chicago was fortunate enough to keep him for another year. Although, head coach Ben Johnson made it clear he expects him to land a defensive coordinator job in the near future.
Now, Harris returns to coach a secondary loaded with talent, including some new talent in Super Bowl-winning safety Coby Bryant, first-round rookie safety Dillon Thieneman and fourth-round cornerback Malik Muhammad. After turning Wright into a Pro Bowler in just one year, Harris will have a chance to do the same with Muhammad, who already has familiarity with his new position coach and understands the opportunity at hand.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Q&A
What are Al Harris's achievements as the Bears' defensive backs coach?
Al Harris led the Bears' secondary to an NFL-high 23 interceptions in 2025 and developed two Pro Bowl players, Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright.
Who is Malik Muhammad and what is his role with the Bears?
Malik Muhammad is a fourth-round rookie cornerback for the Chicago Bears, eager to learn from Al Harris and contribute to the team's secondary.
Why did the Bears retain Al Harris as their defensive backs coach?
The Bears retained Al Harris due to his successful track record, including producing Pro Bowl players and drawing interest for defensive coordinator positions.
What impact could Al Harris have on Malik Muhammad's career?
Al Harris has the potential to develop Malik Muhammad into a standout player, similar to how he turned Nahshon Wright into a Pro Bowler in just one year.
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“I'm super familiar," Muhammad said. "My coach actually know him, my DC in high school actually know him as too. He talked about him a lot. Then just knowing his history, just knowing his history of the corners he has coached before and how he has played. I know I’ve got a great coach, that's what I can say. I know I'm coming into a great situation.”
Muhammad was a great value pick for the Bears, as Dane Brugler had him as a third-round selection. The former Texas cornerback has impressive speed, a theme for this Dennis Allen defense, running a 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. While Jaylon Johnson has a starting spot locked down on the outside, Muhammad has the opportunity to compete for the starting spot opposite him with Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. And if there's someone who's going to maximize Muhammad's potential, it's Harris.
