Top Coaching Candidate Rumored to Have Interest in Bears' Opening
Following a demoralizing loss on Thanksgiving and the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears' focus is firmly on 2025 now. That means less attention is on how the rest of the regular season plays out, and more on how Chicago responds after a catastrophic era under Eberflus.
The biggest item on the early offseason agenda is filling the head-coaching opening, and it seems Chicago's already receiving interest from one candidate who's sure to be in demand.
ESPN's Adam Schefter shed some valuable insight on the Bears' coaching search Sunday morning. He revealed that he thinks Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the most revered minds in the league right now, "might have some interest" in taking over from Eberflus.
Assuming Johnson is at least open to the opportunity, that's massive for Chicago. With the Bears headed for their fourth straight season missing the playoffs, and questions about the leadership from the front office and ownership, the HC job may not be as appealing as it could be to some candidates.
However, the prospect of working with the most recent No. 1 overall pick, plus leading a roster that's full of talent on both sides of the ball still makes the Bears' opening tough to pass up.
Surely someone coming from an offensive background like Johnson is excited about scheming things up for a unit with a promising young quarterback, a star wide reveiver (DJ Moore), another potential star wideout in Rome Odunze, and an electric dual threat in D'Andre Swift coming out of the backfield.
Though there is an NFC North storyline here, coordinators don't mind crossing party lines if it means getting a promotion, which comes with more decision-making power and a step up in pay. With what Chicago can offer in all facets, the Bears certainly have as strong of a pitch as any team to sway Johnson away from the Motor City this offseason.
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