Stand back, Pittsburgh Steelers fans, a former member of the Black and Gold brand of football is drawing major praise from Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. So much praise, in fact, that Johnson believes the former Steeler could become an NFL head coach in the near future. On Saturday, Johnson talked about a bright future ahead for ex-Steeler turned Bears wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, revealing that he actually called the plays during the second half of Chicago's preseason opener. "I think [Randle El's] got a chance to be an OC in this league," Johnson said via reporter Ari Meirov. "I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in this league."
#Bears HC Ben Johnson said WRs coach Antwaan Randle El called the plays in the second half vs. the #Browns today when Chicago scored 24 points and put up 235 yards of offense. "I think he's got a chance to be an OC in this league. I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in… pic.twitter.com/zcTf8upHkN — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 16, 2026 Under Randle El's leadership, the Bears' offense recorded 235 yards of offense against the Cleveland Browns in Chicago's Week 1 preseason matchup. Drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Randle El played four seasons in Pittsburgh before joining the Washington Commanders in 2006. After four seasons in Washington, Randle El returned to the Steelers in 2010 and appeared in Super Bowl XLV with Pittsburgh. As a coach, Randle El has served as an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-2020), the wide receivers coach for the Detroit Lions (2021-2024), and the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach for the Bears (2025). He's clearly making the right impression in this new NFL chapter and is primed for great things as a coach. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any training camp news and updates, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers wide receiver could become head coach in NFL