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There is still a little over a week before the Chicago Bears players and coaches return to Halas Hall for the start of training camp, which means we are still months away from possible coaching changes across the league. It's never too early to start thinking of which assistant and position coaches could become breakout names and get on the short list for big promotions, which is something Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic explored.
On Tuesday, Rodrigue compiled a list of names across the league who could, in her words, "break out" with a big season, and she named one Bears coach to watch. With the Bears coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw them capture the NFC North division under head coach Ben Johnson, it isn't surprising to see a coach listed, but it probably isn't one that fans were expecting to see.
Bears tight ends coach Jim Dray was named among the 36 coaches as someone who may stand out in 2026. Rodrigue explains her rationale below:
Other than the quarterback, Bears coach Ben Johnson has made it clear that tight end is the most important element of his layered, explosive offensive system. That especially highlights Dray, whom Johnson retained from the Matt Eberflus-era staff. Dray will be coaching one of the most talented position rooms in the NFL, featuring Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland and rookie third-rounder Sam Roush.
Dray, who played tight end in the league from 2010 through 2017, joined the Bears as part of Eberflus' initial coaching staff back in 2022 and stood out for helping Kmet take a significant step that season as the team's top receiving option. He not only survived the transition from Eberflus to Johnson last offseason but was also able to retain his job following the offensive staff purge from 2023 to 2024 that saw most of the coaches turn over, including offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
While Kmet's development is one thing, Loveland's ascension is another. The Bears selected Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick, and the first rounder became a difference maker late in his rookie season. The combination of Loveland and Kmet was crucial to the Bears' success in 2025, and Dray played an important role in working with the two tight ends.
The other notable name Rodrigue listed is former Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who took the same job with the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the offseason. And as far as omissions go, some fans may be surprised to see defensive backs coach Al Harris or wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El weren't included after they each had notable fanfare last season.
Regardless, the Bears' success means more eyes will be on their coaching staff, and Dray could be the next one to receive a promotion at the end of the season.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears position coach named breakout candidate in 2026
