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Bill Belichick Might Have Revealed Bears Top Coaching Candidate

The worst-kept secret in the NFL might be how badly the Bears want to hire Lions OC Ben Johnson.

By Joe Summers

Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images / Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
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Legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick shook up the football world on Wednesday with the announcement that he'd go to the college ranks to become the new head coach at North Carolina. Now, a new story with inside details seemingly suggests the Bears are honing in on their preferred choice to replace Matt Eberflus.

In a new ESPN piece by Seth Wickersham, Belichick is described as having a team of former assistant coaches like Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels, all frequently gathering to discuss potential NFL openings and whether Belichick could be a fit.

According to Wickersham's reporting, the group deemed Chicago's opening as the best job. However, they think the Bears prefer an offensive-minded coach, specifically Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Bill Belichick Seemingly Reveals Bears Want Lions OC Ben Johnson

It's no surprise that Chicago would want someone as accomplished as Johnson and this isn't the first report suggesting he's the organization's preferred choice. In only his third season leading Detroit's offense, Johnson has become perhaps the most respected offensive coordinator in the league.

The Lions' offense always seems to be ahead of defenses despite some clear limitations at quarterback. It's easy to imagine Johnson turning Williams into the superstar Bears fans dream of him becoming.

That said, Chicago has some organizational issues to address if team brass is going to attract the best candidates. Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren, both of whom have plenty of warts on their respective records, are reportedly locked in a power struggle, further complicating matters.

Johnson has been mum about interest in other teams aside from his salary demands that helped keep him in Detroit last offseason. He's focused on delivering the Lions their first Super Bowl but either way, he'll likely be every team with an opening's first phone call.

If the Bears can land someone of Johnson's caliber, it'll go a long way in correcting the mistakes of years past. After suffering through the John Fox, Matt Nagy, and Matt Eberflus eras, fans are in desperate need of a true difference-maker on the sidelines.

Here's hoping Johnson could provide that necessary spark.

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