The Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears rumors have already been a roller coaster despite the fact that the Bears have yet to officially interview the Lions' offensive coordinators.
There have been recent rumors to suggest that Johnson is the leader in the clubhouse for being the next head coach of the Bears but recently, there has been multiple takeaways that would suggest that a hiring might be unlikely.
While fans were quick to discredit the idea that Ryan Poles may be shying away from hiring Johnson because it did not come from someone like Albert Breer, they likely won't take kindly to the response Breer had in his latest mailbag for Sports Illustrated.
When asked who would be the next head coach of the Jackson Jaguars, Breer pointed in Johnson's direction.
"I think the Jacksonville Jaguars could be the Johnson team. If they are, I think that Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark would be a name to watch. But that’s an educated guess at this point. And, no, Khan can’t just run it back," Breer responded.
Ben Johnson to the Bears may not be the likelihood fans think it is.
Breer, who is plugged in with the Bears' operation, wouldn't have penned Jaguars as Johnson's destination if he felt strongly that the Lions' coordinator was going to the Bears. Breer's "educated guess," being the Jaguars, would suggest he has a different candidate in mind. It's worth noting that Brian Flores and Mike Vrabel are two candidates who Breer has been consistent in connecting to the Bears' opening.
It's becoming increasingly likely that Johnson will want to find a head coach destination that will allow him to have his handpicked general manager or a general manager he has connections with. Ryan Poles does not check that box, and ultimately, that could prove to be the reason why the Bears are unable to find the candidate who best fits what they are looking for.