With multiple teams in search of a defensive coordinator, Bears defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Al Harris has become a popular candidate. He’ll interview for the Titans’ defensive coordinator opening on Saturday, Josina Anderson of The Exhibit reports. The 51-year-old previously met with the Packers and Commanders.
Harris, who enjoyed a long and productive playing career as a cornerback from 1997-2011, went into coaching as an intern with the Dolphins in 2012. The two-time Pro Bowler has gradually climbed up the ranks since then.
Before heading to Chicago this season, Harris assisted with NFL secondaries in Kansas City and Dallas. Harris has cut his teeth working with accomplished coordinators in Bob Sutton, Mike Zimmer, Dan Quinn and Dennis Allen.
The Bears’ pass defense ranked an underwhelming 22nd in 2025, but they had to navigate most of the season without two of their best cornerbacks, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Although Johnson and Gordon combined to miss 24 games, the Bears racked up an NFL-best 23 interceptions during an NFC North-winning campaign. Safety Kevin Byard earned a Pro Bowl nod, while corner Nahshon Wright unexpectedly forced seven turnovers (five INTs, two fumbles) after the former Cowboy and Viking settled for a modest one-year deal in free agency last offseason.
Unlike the Bears, the Titans struggled mightily to generate turnovers in 2025. Tennessee’s defense took the ball away 14 times, the fifth-lowest total in the league, and also finished near the bottom in yards (21st) and points (28th) allowed. Just a couple days after becoming the Titans’ head coach, Robert Saleh fired defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson on Thursday.
While Saleh now has his eyes on Harris for the D-coordinator post, he’ll also consider longtime colleague and current Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. The Titans have requested an interview with Whitecotton, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Saleh and Whitecotton have worked together at multiple stops. It began when the two were on Jacksonville’s defensive staff from 2014-16. Then the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 2020, Saleh hired Whitecotton to coach the D-line. Saleh then brought Whitecotton to New York when he became the Jets’ head coach in 2021. The Jets fired Saleh in October 2024, but Whitecotton finished the year in New York. After the Cowboys fired Matt Eberflus on Jan. 6, Whitecotton was among the interviewees for their DC gig. They hired Christian Parker instead, leaving Whitecotton’s future up in the air after just one season in Dallas.
While Harris and Whitecotton don’t have any D-coordinator experience, that’s not a requirement for Tennessee. Saleh has already made it known he’ll call the defensive plays in 2026. That should make it easier for a first-time coordinator to adjust to the role.
Kinda surprised Salah didn’t consider denard Wilson. He did a decent job for Titans considering what he had to work with. He did run a 3-4 defense while Saleh I believe runs 4-3.
I hope we can keep Whitecotton, but Saleh and him have work history together. Al Harris has put in the work. It’s time to give him a shot. Wonder what happened in Dallas he didn’t even get an interview even tho he worked there on Mike McCarthys staff.