NFL insider predicts Bears will go hard after a top coaching candidate

All eyes are on the Chicago Bears' search for a new head coach following the team's decision to fire Matt Eberflus this past Friday.

Eberflus' firing marks the first time that the Bears have fired a head coach in-season, highlighting the importance of Caleb Williams' development. While Williams' ascension has been back on the rise following the removal of Shane Waldron as the team's offensive coordinator, Eberflus' repeated coaching blunders at the end of games thwarted the rookie's quarterback ability to lead the team to victory.

A "leader of men" seems to be the buzzword for this iteration of the Bears' search for a new head coach but many are looking for any and all connections to Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Over the past month, there have been conflicting reports regarding whether or not Johnson would have interest in the Bears' vacancy. Prior to Eberflus being fired, there was speculation that the dysfunction that has plagued the Bears' organization above the head coach would be a reason why Johnson would not want the job. However, in the immediate aftermath of Eberflus' firing, Johnson may be open to being convinced.

The Bears certainly will make an effort. At least, that is the latest from Dan Graziano of ESPN.

It would be a coup for the Bears to land the cycle's most sought-after candidate in Johnson, in part because it could elevate and energize their offense and in part because they'd be weakening a division rival. I don't know if they can get him, but I feel pretty confident in predicting that the Bears will try.

The Bears' vetting of Williams last offseason should speak to the organization's ability to be persuasive. Williams and his representation had reservations about being selected by the Bears with the first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Poles was able to quell those fears. Of course, the fact that Williams' first offensive coordinator and head coach at the NFL level were fired in his rookie season doesn't bode well for Poles' ability to back up his promises.