Da Windy City
Fansided

Ben Johnson Reportedly Making Big Push to Hire Coveted Coach for Bears

By Joe Summers

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

It's a special day for Chicago Bears fans thanks to the hiring of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the franchise's new head coach. Caleb Williams finally has someone who can maximize his talents in his corner, making the Bears a premier destination for pending free agents moving forward.

Johnson has already begun putting his staff together, reportedly identifying former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator. It sounds like Johnson is enamored with the 2024 Saints staff, as he's now targeting another member of that group to potentially be his special teams coordinator.

Darren Rizzi, who served as the interim coach in New Orleans when Allen was fired, is still interviewing for head coaching jobs. Should he not get one, Adam Schefter of ESPN suggests that Chicago could be his landing spot.

Bears Reportedly Eyeing Darren Rizzi as Special Teams Coordinator

The Saints struggled overall this year, though both Allen and Rizzi are talented coaches who are already quite familiar with each other. Rizzi has been the Saints' special teams coordinator since 2019, earning the additional title of assistant head coach in 2022 before becoming the interim in 2024.

He went just 2-7 in New Orleans though he is well-respected in the locker room. The 54-year-old coach has worked in football since 1993, bringing over 30 years of experience. Schefter reported that Rizzi has interest from over a half-dozen teams and if he's offered a head coaching gig, it seems he'll take it.

That said, it'd be a bit surprising to see Rizzi selected. It's more probable that he joins Johnson's staff or another team's to remain a special teams coordinator, though perhaps he can take on greater responsibility like he did throughout his tenure in New Orleans.

Johnson is clearly targeting voices with experience as he builds out his circle of trust. It's an exciting time in Chicago and fans should be appropriately thrilled. If the rest of the offseason goes as well as the beginning has, the Bears should be competing for a playoff spot in 2025.

More Chicago Bears News and Rumors:

feed

Home/Chicago Bears