As assistant head coach and receivers coach, Antwaan Randle El already wears multiple hats for the Bears. But that didn't stop the former NFL star from tackling another key role last Saturday — and thriving in it.
Coach Ben Johnson handed over play-calling duties to Randle El for the second half of the Bears' preseason opener against the Browns, and the offense responded by generating 24 points and 235 yards in a 34-10 victory.
"If you noticed a difference in terms of offensive execution and it looked better in the second half, that's really because of Antwaan Randle El calling it there," Johnson said after the game. "I thought he did a phenomenal job …. He was part of the quarterback meeting [the night before], and we were talking about what was on the call sheet and their favorites and all that. I think it was a phenomenal experience for him, and I know our guys rallied around that as well."
Considered one of the NFL's top play-callers since he was Lions offensive coordinator from 2022-24, Johnson gave play-calling duties to former Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for a half last preseason and may do the same with additional assistants in this summer's final two preseason games.
Randle El, who served as receivers coach under Johnson in Detroit and came with him to the Bears, was thrilled to be given play-calling responsibilities.
"I told him right after, when he first let me know, that I appreciated it," Randle El said. "Everybody doesn't do that. I'm thankful."
With Randle El calling plays, veteran quarterback Case Keenum posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the third quarter against the Browns, completing 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
"It was great," Randle El said. "It was fun. Kinda got in a rhythm calling it. I enjoyed it. It's good to have a veteran in there who knows exactly where the ball should go and things of that nature. Really, you dial it up for the players and let them go out and work. Certainly did that."
Keenum is convinced that Randle El, a receiver and return specialist for nine NFL seasons who won a Super Bowl with the Steelers, will reach the pinnacle of his second profession.
"I know he's going to be a head coach," Keenum said. "His demeanor in front of the team, his leadership qualities, are top-notch; some of the best I've been around. His relatability to players? I mean, it's the fact that he's been there, done that with just about everything. And there's no 'coach speak' to him. It's all real."
Johnson is determined to do what he can to help Randle El advance in his career.
"I wanted 'El' to get that chance [to call plays], and he wanted it too," Johnson said. "He's an outstanding coach, and sometimes when you're put in certain position rooms, you kind of get labeled one thing or another. Here's the thing about El: I think he's got a chance to be an offensive coordinator in this league. I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in this league. I think he would do a phenomenal job in both those respects, and I don't know if he gets that type of credit around the league right now, so it's a good opportunity for him to get some recognition."
