Bears receivers coach Randle El calls plays in preseason win

During the Chicago Bears' preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, August 15, 2026, the team's wide receivers coach and assistant head coach, Antwaan Randle El, took over play-calling duties for the second half. The Bears, who had struggled in the first half, scored 24 points and gained 235 yards in the second half, ultimately winning 34-10. Head coach Ben Johnson revealed after the game that Randle El had called the plays in the second half, a decision that came after Randle El participated in the quarterbacks' meeting on Friday night to discuss the call sheet and player preferences.

Randle El, who turns 47 next week, impressed both Johnson and the quarterbacks with his preparation and command. Quarterback Tyson Bagent praised Randle El's readiness and knowledge of the playbook, saying, "Has anybody ever had a better first outing than Antwaan Randle El? That's just who he is. He's always prepared. He knows the ins and outs of the playbook. So really, it was not surprising — at least for us on the sideline." Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, "He did a phenomenal job. He was part of the quarterbacks' meeting [Friday] night, 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. I know our guys really rallied around that."

This opportunity arose because the Bears' previous offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, left to become the offensive coordinator and play-caller for the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson, who had called plays himself last season, allowed Doyle to leave, and the Bears are now grooming Randle El for a larger role. Veteran quarterback Case Keenum expressed confidence in Randle El's future, saying, "I know he's going to be a head coach. I think 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, for lack of a better word, 'coachspeak' to him. It's all real."

Randle El, a former NFL star receiver, followed Johnson from Detroit to Chicago when Johnson was hired as the Bears' head coach in 2025. His performance in this preseason game has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks, and the Bears believe he is destined to run an offense or a team in the near future. This game served as a showcase of his potential, and the team's success in the second half under his play-calling has generated excitement and optimism within the organization.