Charlie Campbell of Walter Football is known mainly for his draft insider work. However, he dropped a bombshell of coaching news when he revealed that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was trying to steer the team away from making Ben Johnson the next head coach. It was believed he fears the possibility that the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator may want to push him out as general manager in hopes of bringing in somebody he’s more familiar with. Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado corroborated this to a degree as well.
However, somebody closer to the team is hearing differently. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog has demonstrated accurate sources regarding this organization for several years. When he posts something, it can be taken as credible. That is why his latest information on the Johnson situation was eye-opening.
Ben Johnson is going to be the top choice. But Johnson is going to bring baggage to the interview process, including demands in the personnel department. Will the Bears view him worthy of those concessions?
One source told me that Ryan Poles covets Johnson, while others in the building (Warren, especially) are looking for established program builders.
Hughes explained even further on Twitter a few hours later, stating that Johnson is excited about working with Caleb Williams. Poles is a big fan of the young coordinator.
Ben Johnson seems open to working with Poles.
That has been hinted at multiple times. However, nothing will be committed until the two get a chance to meet. Johnson has his first interview with the Bears on Saturday. That will be Poles first opportunity to make a positive impression the young coach. It is believed if the two hit it off, things could come together quickly. Johnson would get the head coaching job, and Poles would get an extension. As always, the situation is fluid. The young coach has a reputation for struggling in interviews with other teams last year. It will be interesting to see if he’s learned anything.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
One thing is clear: If Poles is determined to get his guy, he will have a well-prepared pitch. Say what you will about the Bears GM, but he’s never afraid to put in the work. Ben Johnson likely has ideas about how he wants his team to be structured, including the particular types of players he has in mind. Will Poles be willing to meet his requirements, or will it be a constant battle over how the roster should be constructed? It happens more than you think in the NFL. Johnson wants to avoid it. Poles must ease his fears.
Sallie Kmet was routinely open this past season, but rarely targeted. Watching game tape sure seems to indicate his lack of targets had nothing to do with him not being able to get open. Had he been thrown to more often, it’s a virtual certainty, the number of sacks Caleb took would have been dramatically reduced. @jmscooby I was referring to his 40 time. But regardless, if Johnson can’t find a way to make good use of Kmet then I would argue he’s not nearly the OC people claim he is, and just another one of these guys who uses… Read more »
Kmet 3 cone, 7.44s, 20 yd shuttle 4.41s
Hockenson 7.02s, 4.18s
LaPorta 6.91s, 4.25s
All I can say is, wait and see.
Yes, but what does Greg Gabriel think?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I was the first to immediately criticizing Kmet, the golden boy, for receiving such a large contract by Poles. It was met with a slew of downers, even before I was hated on this site. Has reality set in yet. He is slightly above average, but not any dynamic playmaker and can’t get open. Bring back TE Bates or trade for Bowers.
@jmscooby I made a mistake and in my first post I neglected to mention who I was comparing Kmet to. It was Sam LaPorta. Kmet is nearly 3″ taller, heavier, longer arms, bigger hands, bigger vertical jump, same standing long jump, only slightly less pure speed (like .1 second slower), and catches a higher percentage of his targets than LaPorta while playing with some QB’s not exactly demonstrating great accuracy and ball placement. My point in making that comparison is that LaPorta has been a pro bowler with Ben Johnson calling plays, because he knows how to integrate a TE… Read more »