Antwaan Randle El takes over play calling duties and Bears offense comes to life in preseason win over Browns

by | Aug 16, 2026 | Sports

Antwaan Randle El takes over play calling duties and Bears offense comes to life in preseason win over Browns

Chicago’s offensive performance improved noticeably during the second half of its preseason matchup against the Browns, a development that coincided with a change in play-calling responsibilities. Head coach Ben Johnson transferred the duties to receivers coach Antwaan Randle El at the start of the third quarter, and the Bears’ offense responded by accumulating 24 points over the final 30 minutes of the contest.

Johnson praised Randle El’s work, noting that the shift in execution was directly attributable to the change in personnel. Johnson highlighted what he viewed as Randle El’s capability for advancement within the coaching ranks, suggesting the receivers coach possessed the potential to serve as an offensive coordinator or head coach in the NFL. Johnson indicated that he intentionally created the opportunity for Randle El to demonstrate his abilities in this expanded role.

Randle El arrived with Johnson in Chicago following Johnson’s hiring as head coach. Prior to joining the Bears, Randle El had spent time with the Detroit Lions, where he worked under head coach Dan Campbell and contributed to the franchise’s turnaround that included its first playoff victory in 32 years. Before Detroit, he was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching staff and won a Super Bowl championship in 2020.

Randle El’s background in football extends well beyond his coaching career. During his playing days, he was a quarterback at Indiana before transitioning to receiver and returner roles with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He notably threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward during Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl XL victory against Seattle.

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