Bears Break Silence on Lions’ Ben Johnson in Ongoing Coaching Hunt

Chicago narrows focus as they explore head coach options after 5-12 season

The Chicago Bears are firmly entrenched in their search for a new head coach, one of the most critical decisions following their underwhelming 5-12 season. With a long list of candidates to evaluate, the team has made significant progress in their first round of interviews. On Saturday, they confirmed their first sit-down with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a key figure in the coaching carousel who could potentially shape the future of the Bears’ offense.

Johnson’s Reputation and Bears’ Interest

Ben Johnson has quickly become one of the most highly coveted coaching candidates in the NFL, thanks to his innovative offensive strategies that helped propel the Lions to a top seed in the NFC. Under his leadership, Detroit’s offense has turned heads, and his influence is seen as a key reason for their consistent improvement. The Bears, after parting ways with Matt Eberflus following their loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, have made Johnson a top priority in their search for a new head coach.

In their official announcement, the Bears stated, “We have completed an interview with head coach candidate Ben Johnson,” signaling that the team is serious about potentially bringing him on board. Johnson’s interest in the Bears makes sense, especially given the team’s clear intentions to rebuild their offense around young talent like QB Caleb Williams, who could benefit from Johnson’s offensive expertise.

A Narrowing Field for Johnson’s Next Move

Initially, Johnson’s options seemed endless, with interviews scheduled with the Bears, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Patriots recently made their hire, bringing in Mike Vrabel, which eliminates one of Johnson’s possible landing spots. Now, Johnson’s decision comes down to three main contenders: the Bears, the Raiders, and the Jaguars.

Chicago’s nearly $75.2 million in salary cap space for 2025 gives the Bears a distinct advantage, especially when combined with their draft capital and potential to rebuild quickly. With a young QB like Caleb Williams, who is still on a manageable rookie contract, Johnson could find the Bears an appealing project. The other options, while attractive, may not offer the same kind of long-term promise that Chicago does.

Competition Remains Fierce

Despite Chicago’s financial flexibility and the lure of a talented young QB, the competition for Johnson’s services is far from over. While the Bears are clearly at the forefront, they still face stiff competition from other franchises. Names like Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, and Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, are also under consideration.

Moreover, Chicago’s interest in Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman—currently preparing for a major College Football Playoff Championship game—adds another layer of intrigue. With about a dozen or more candidates in the running for the head coaching role, the Bears’ decision could have a lasting impact on their future.

What’s at Stake for the Bears

The Bears are at a crossroads, and their decision on a new head coach could determine the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. The hiring of Ben Johnson, if it happens, would signal a major step forward in the team’s offensive rebuild. With a promising QB at the helm and ample financial flexibility, the Bears have the tools to create a competitive team. However, the ultimate question remains: will they convince Johnson to join their ranks, or will another franchise make a more compelling offer?

As Chicago continues to navigate its coaching search, Ben Johnson’s decision will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise, and the Bears are clearly hoping their pitch stands out in this competitive race.

 

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