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2w ago

Randle El Called Plays in Bears’ Preseason Comeback and Raised His Coordinator Stock

Ben Johnson used the preseason to let an assistant run the offense, a move that highlighted Randle El’s leadership and could accelerate outside interest in him.

Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken shake hands after a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • On Saturday, Antwaan Randle El took over play-calling for the second half of the Bears’ preseason opener and the offense produced 24 unanswered points and 235 yards to turn a 10-0 deficit into a 34-10 win.
  • With Randle El calling plays, veteran Case Keenum posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the third quarter, completing 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Randle El said he enjoyed the chance to be in the quarterback meeting and call plays and that he found a rhythm while working with the veteran quarterbacks.
  • Coach Ben Johnson praised Randle El’s potential to be an NFL offensive coordinator or head coach and said the team will continue using preseason games to give assistants real play-calling experience.
  • Randle El’s work as a receivers coach in Detroit and Chicago, including mentoring top receivers, plus this visible in-game audition, raises his profile but also increases the chance other teams will pursue him for higher jobs.