Most experts would agree that Ben Johnson is the golden jewel heading into the 2025 head coaching circuit. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has crafted one of the most devastating units in the NFL for the past three years. It isn’t surprising Chicago Bears fans have him circled as the priority target in January once Matt Eberflus is fired. Pairing him with Caleb Williams feels like a no-brainer. However, insiders have indicated for weeks that Johnson won’t jump at any job. He wants one that fits the right criteria.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network added some crucial details on this. The coordinator is looking for one thing above all else, and it is something the Bears might not be willing to offer.
A former walk-on QB who earned math and computer science degrees at North Carolina, Johnson has established himself as one of the brightest minds in football. He was a coveted candidate during each of the past two hiring cycles, interviewing for seven jobs (Chargers, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks and Texans) before ultimately deciding to stay put. He isn’t necessarily waiting for the “perfect” opportunity — Johnson just wants to know there’s alignment and a chance for long-term success. Otherwise, he’ll stick with a job, team and city he loves in Detroit. Johnson coached quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends before becoming the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022, giving him a good feel for the whole picture.
Ben Johnson wanting alignment means one thing.
The Bears would likely have to fire Ryan Poles. If they decide to keep the embattled GM, any coach coming in would have to assume the guy is on the hot seat after three straight losing seasons. That immediately adds pressure to win immediately, which is not something Ben Johnson would want. Alignment means being on the same page with the GM. In other words, he’d prefer to work with somebody who has a little more long-term security. Poles wouldn’t be able to offer that, no matter what assurances the McCaskeys offer. If the Bears are committed to landing Johnson, it may require dumping Poles in favor of a new GM who can be aligned with the coach from the start.
Would George McCaskey do it? Remember, he spearheaded hiring Poles. By all accounts, he is a big admirer of the GM. He was willing to give Ryan Pace a second chance to hire a coach. Poles hasn’t done anything egregious enough to be denied the same courtesy. Everything depends on how motivated the team is to get Johnson.
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Firing Poles isn’t a sacrifice. It’s progress. It’s common sense. Put the GM, new HC, and new coaching staff on the same timeline. Limit your list of prospective hires to guys who A) love CW, and B) want to contend within two years.
That way, you’re ready to extend CW when his option arrives after his third NFL season.
You could’ve had him LAST offseason. Ben Johnson could be the coach of the Bears RIGHT NOW. As an added bonus, the Lions wouldn’t be smashing the league right now.
Instead you passed him up in order to not risk losing the great…checks notes…Matt fucking Eberflus??
Fucking losers.
Article is cow chips. Assurances of alignment could just as easily be George’s assurance that Poles is safe as long as the roster continues to improve. Poles has made it clear that he is willing to draft the players his HC wants (first two picks Gordon and Brisker) and if he and Johnson have some good conversations, the allure of having Caleb as his QB (remember, Johnson knows Caleb from the QB collective thing, not sure of the exact name) and a stout defense on day one, he could jump at the job. Sure, Johnson be a hot commodity, and… Read more »
Pipe dream.