Ben Johnson’s Potential Move to the Bears: Key Factors at Play

Could Ben Johnson Be the Answer for the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears are in search of a new head coach, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as a strong candidate. Known for transforming Jared Goff from a perceived afterthought into a legitimate MVP contender, Johnson’s ability to elevate players is drawing interest. However, while the potential pairing with Chicago looks promising, there are significant hurdles on both sides that could impact the outcome.

Why Ben Johnson Fits the Bears

On paper, Ben Johnson appears to be an ideal candidate for the Bears. His success with Detroit’s offense, particularly in revitalizing Jared Goff’s career, speaks volumes. With Caleb Williams likely stepping in as the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, the Bears are hoping to replicate the success Johnson has achieved in Detroit.

As Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer explains, “The Detroit Lions’ OC is a really good candidate—his offensive acumen and work with Jared Goff speaks for itself.”

Yet, Chicago is reportedly looking for more than just offensive expertise. The organization desires a “leader-of-men” type of coach, someone who can galvanize the team beyond X’s and O’s. Compared to candidates like Mike Vrabel or even Johnson’s Lions colleague Aaron Glenn, Johnson may need to demonstrate his leadership credentials during interviews to convince Chicago he’s the right fit.

Johnson’s Perspective: Selectivity Matters

While Chicago evaluates Johnson, he is also scrutinizing the opportunity. Having gone through the interview process for head coaching roles in the past, Johnson has developed a clear set of criteria for the jobs he would consider.

“Then, there’s what Johnson wants,” Breer continues. “He’s going to be picky on which jobs he interviews for, and I believe he would take an interview with the Bears. But he has criteria for these jobs… alignment with a general manager, whether he inherits that GM or not. He’s also looking for an ownership group that sees its prior mistakes and is willing to fix them.”

For Johnson, organizational structure and philosophy matter as much as the roster itself. If the Bears cannot convince him they are aligned on these fronts, Johnson may look elsewhere, even if Chicago is an enticing option on paper.

Other Potential Opportunities

While the Bears remain in contention for Johnson, Breer notes that there could be a better fit elsewhere. Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, who also have a highly talented but struggling quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, may present a more appealing scenario.

“I’m not saying that this won’t happen. While I do wonder if a place like Jacksonville might be a better fit, there are reasons a Bears–Johnson marriage could work,” Breer remarks. “But there’s also a lot for both sides to figure out.”

The Lions’ Impending Loss

Regardless of the outcome, it seems increasingly likely that the Detroit Lions will need to prepare for life without Ben Johnson. His remarkable work in Detroit has made him one of the hottest coaching prospects in the league. Whether he ends up in Chicago, Jacksonville, or another franchise, Johnson’s departure would leave a significant void in the Lions’ coaching staff.

As the offseason unfolds, both the Bears and Johnson must weigh their options carefully. If the two sides can find common ground, this partnership could reshape Chicago’s future. However, as with any major decision, the devil lies in the details.