Chris

Harris

Harris was snatched up this offseason by the Titans to coach defensive backs after a similar role in Washington the past few seasons, but Harris has interviewed with the Eagles in 2021, the Colts in 2022, and the 49ers and Texans this offseason for defensive coordinator positions. He’s definitely a plausible candidate as the Texans try to firm up what’s happening under DeMeco Ryans.

Retired as a player since 2012, Harris has been an assistant since 2013. He just landed in Tennessee from Washington. He is also expected to serve as the defensive passing game coordinator in Nashville. Although it would be unusual to move on without coaching a down in Tennessee, the Niners’ gig would be a massive upgrade, one that keeps serving as a springboard to head-coaching gigs.

Harris will also serve as Tennessee’s defensive pass game coordinator. A riser in the coaching ranks, Harris spent the past three seasons in Washington, overseeing a secondary that allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (191.3) last year. Harris looks destined for a defensive coordinator role in 2024. The Titans won’t block Harris if something opens up for him this offseason.

Harris joins Jaguars DC Joe Cullen as the first two candidates to interview. An NFL safety from 2005-2012, Harris has been a fast riser in the coaching ranks, interviewing for the Eagles’ defensive coordinator job last offseason. Washington’s secondary took a step back under Harris this season, but the 39-year-old is in the mix to replace Matt Eberflus.

Harris, a longtime Bears safety before ending his career with the Jaguars, just finished his first year as Washington’s defensive backs coach. The Football Team’s secondary was a solid unit throughout the season, helped by the team’s vicious defensive line. Harris has coached for the Bears and the Chargers, where he was credited with developing first-round pick Derwin James in one of the NFL’s most dominant secondaries at the time. Harris would face the Football Team twice a season if he lands the Philadelphia gig.

Fellow safety Major Wright (head, questionable) is also inactive. Career backup Craig Steltz and Brandon Meriweather will presumably start. RB Marion Barber, WR Earl Bennett, T Gabe Carimi, DT Stephen Paea and DT Corey Wootton round out the inactives.

Coach Lovie Smith conceded that Harris was a “little sore” after sitting out Thursday’s practice. Brandon Meriweather is expected to fill in alongside Major Wright if Harris can’t go against the Panthers.

The setback occurred on the practice field Wednesday. The Bears have been gutted by tight ends without Harris in the lineup, and they get old pal Greg Olsen next. Major Wright and Brandon Meriweather will continue to start at safety.

Harris has missed the Bears’ past three games, but “continues to improve daily.” He practiced on both Thursday and Friday. Fill-in Brandon Meriweather has been inconsistent in Harris’ absence, so his return couldn’t come soon enough for a secondary tasked with slowing down Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.

His return should help in tight end coverage; the Bears have been gashed by the position with Harris battling a bad hamstring. Inactive for Chicago: DEs Mario Addison and Corey Wootton, WR Earl Bennett, RT Gabe Carimi, DT Stephen Paea, RB Kahlil Bell, and QB Nate Enderle. Dane Sanzenbacher will replace Bennett at slot receiver.