The Chicago Bears may have a close look at their next coach when they face the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon.
Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been a top name over the past year when tallking about head coaching vacancies across the NFL. After Johnson passed on the opportunity to become the Washington Commanders' head coach last offseason, it would seem likely that he takes a head coaching job this offseason.
With Caleb Williams in place as the Bears' starting quarterback and the team having healthy cap space, many point to Chicago being the top job available this offseason. Past rumors have suggested that Johnson may have reservations about taking the Bears' job given the reported tension between Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren but the latest report suggests the door is open.
In his latest for NFL Network, Tom Pelissero reports that Johnson is "intrigued" by the Bears' opening and is willing to listen to the team's pitch.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #Seahawks QB Geno Smith and RB Ken Walker II are both good to go today; #Ravens WR Diontae Johnson will find out Monday at 4 pm if he’s claimed; #Lions OC Ben Johnson is intrigued by the #Bears HC vacancy. pic.twitter.com/862mfQvFNO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2024
Previous reports this season have suggested that Johnson's interview process would include him asking questions to the interested team about what has gone wrong in the past and how the organization plans to fix those mistakes.
It's a similar situation the Bears were in last offseason ahead of taking Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Given the history of quarterback failures, Williams' camp had reservations about the quarterback coming to Chicago. Bears' general manager Ryan Poles was able to pitch the Bears to the Williams, but the outcome of this season likely has Johnson wanting the Bears to provide evidence that there is a sustainable plan in place.
For all the talk about the Bears looking for a "leader of men", Johnson remains the best candidate for the opening. Johnson is one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, and if he unlocks the development of Williams, it won't matter if he does not fully check the box of being a "leader of men".