NFL rumors: Bears submit interview requests for Aubrey Pleasant, Daronte Jones to fill defensive coordinator role
Ben Johnson’s search for a defensive coordinator is on. The new Bears head coach has reportedly submitted two interview requests to fill the most important position on his staff, someone to run the Bears defense and call plays.
Johnson ask requested to interview Vikings defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. Rapoport also stated on Wednesday night that the Bears asked to speak with Rams assistant head coach and defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant.
Pleasant was on the Lions coaching staff with Johnson from 2021-22, as their defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, so Johnson knows Pleasant well and what he stands for defensively. That familiarity could help Johnson in his coordinator search, especially considering he worked under coordinator Aaron Glenn – he’s now New York Jets head coach – and knows a Lions system that has worked so well in recent seasons.
Johnson also has a history with Jones, who was on Miami’s staff when Johnson was there. Jones was the Dolphins assistant defensive backs coach from 2016-17. He also has experience calling plays, after spending the 2021 season as LSU defensive coordinator.
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen has also been linked to the defensive coordinator spot, so it’s likely he’ll speak with Johnson before this search is over.
As a note, the Rooney Rule applies to coordinator hires. The Bears must interview a two minority candidates when hiring all three coordinator roles. Peasant and Jones are both minorities and would therefore satisfy the rule and make the Bears eligible to hire anyone they chose should the interviews occur either in person or virtually.