There may be a renewed hope for the Chicago Bears in their effort to land Ben Johnson as their next head coach.
While recent speculation has pointed Johnson firmly in the direction of the Las Vegas Raiders, several reports from NFL insiders on Monday brought the Bears back into the conversation.
After the Detroit Lions lost to the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, Johnson is expected to complete final interviews with interested teams this week. Those teams include the Raiders, Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Lions' head coach Dan Campbell confirmed with reporters on Monday morning that Johnson will land a head coaching job at some point this week.
In updating where things stand with Johnson, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported that the Bears were the trendy topic of conversation for the Lions' offensive coordinator on Monday morning.
Johnson is a candidate with the Raiders, Jaguars and Bears. Lot of talk this morning about him and Chicago. Wheels really beginning to turn today across the coaching landscape. https://t.co/yaBeU9xg3m
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 20, 2025
Adding more fuel to the connection between Johnson and the Bears, Josina Anderson stresses that while nothing is done, Johnson is "deeply considering" the Bears' vacancy.
Developing: There are league sources who now believe Ben Johnson is deeply considering the head coach vacancy with the Chicago #Bears, per league sources.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 20, 2025
Nothing is official or ever done until it's done!
We'll have to wait and see which team Johnson formally decides on.… pic.twitter.com/KmvzzkJ9rK
If nothing else, the Johnson smoke appears to be picking up with the Bears. What was failing to be recognized while the Raiders' rumors were accelerating for Johnson was the idea that Las Vegas has no path toward solving their quarterback problem this offseason. Sure, Johnson would have the potential to be aligned with his handpicked general manager but that would be the only reason why he would pick the Raiders over the Bears.
The Bears have a quarterback in Caleb Williams, who would immediately present Johnson with the most talented quarterback he has ever worked with, not to mention, a quarterback who could complete some of the throws that Jared Goff struggled with on Saturday. As for money, the Bears' reported interest in trading for Mike Tomlin should all but confirm the team isn't afraid to spend if it meant they got the right head coach.
The next domino to fall will be Johnson's interview schedule this week. If the Bears are the first visit, there will be reason to prepare the celebration.