Things started looking promising for the Bears after the Lions loss to a red-hot Washington Commanders team on Saturday. With Detroit’s heart-breaking loss, the NFL coaching carousel can now pick up speed. Both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn will be available for in-person interviews starting Monday, January 20.
Ben Johnson, come on down to Chicago.
It's time.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 19, 2025
However, the “Ben Johnson Sweepstakes” seems to be gaining momentum, but not in a direction favorable to Chicago. Reports indicate that the Raiders are interviewing Lance Newmark, a former Lions executive and current Commanders assistant GM, for their general manager position. Newmark, who spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year, has a strong relationship with both Johnson and Glenn.
Raiders are interviewing former Lions executive and current Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark today for their general manager job, per sources.
Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year, and is said to have a strong relationship with both Ben… pic.twitter.com/yfwGg7L9w6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2025
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This development gives Las Vegas an advantage over the Bears and Jaguars in the race for Johnson. According to league sources, this move has been anticipated for the past week. Johnson has expressed a desire for alignment with the front office, and it appears the Raiders are doing everything they can to explore that possibility.
Chicago isn’t slowing down either.
The Bears are moving quickly, with Jay Glazer reporting that they are scheduled to interview Eddie George for their head coaching position on Sunday morning. George, who has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the past four years, was named Coach of the Year in his conference this year and led his team to a co-championship.
It’s not yet confirmed if the interview will be in person, but if it is, the Bears would then fulfill the Rooney Rule requirements. This would allow them to start making offers or officially hire a new head coach. It looks like a busy and potentially eventful week ahead for Chicago.
