Division rival Bears poach another coach from Detroit Lions offensive staff, per reports

DETROIT – The divisional rival Chicago Bears have poached another coach from the Detroit Lions' offensive staff.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, former Lions wide receiver coach Antwaan Randle El is working to finalize a deal to become the Bears’ new assistant head coach and wide receiver coach.

Randle El is following former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the windy city as he recently became the Bears' new head coach.

Prior to spending the past four years as the Lions’ wide receivers coach, Randle El was an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2019, he reunited with his former wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians.

The 45-year-old was selected in the second round (62nd overall pick) of the NFL draft out of Indiana University by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002.

The former quarterback transitioned to the wide receiver position before earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week during Week 8 of his rookie season vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

Randle El was a nine-year veteran who scored 27 total touchdowns as a receiver, return man, and passer, with his most iconic one coming in Super Bowl XL inside Ford Field when he hit fellow receiver Hines Ward to help seal their victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

He won the award again in Week 8 of the 2003 season after his game against the St. Louis Rams. In 2004, he threw his first touchdown pass during the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup against the New York Giants.

Randle El signed with the Washington Commanders after spending four seasons with the Steelers in 2006 before returning to the Steelers in 2010 and retiring in 2011.

He was a Super Bowl champion who brought experience to the Lions' receiver room, which will be missed, especially with Jameson Williams.