It isn’t a secret that Ben Johnson is interested in the Chicago Bears coaching job. Every top insider in the NFL has hinted at it for weeks, from Albert Breer to Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero. Sunday was his last opportunity to make a statement on the field, and he sure didn’t disappoint. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator sliced through the Bears defense all afternoon, racking up 27 points in the first half alone. Yet the decisive moment, when it became clear Johnson was sending them a message, came early in the second half.
Jared Goff appeared ready to hand it off and stumbled after the snap. Running back Jamyr Gibbs fell to the ground as if to cover the ball. It turns out it was a fake, and Goff hit tight end Sam LaPorta for a wide-open score. It was beautifully executed. Just the right mixture of creativity and arrogance. That has characterized Johnson’s tenure for three years. It probably isn’t a coincidence he chose to break that play out at Soldier Field with Ryan Poles, Kevin Warre, and the McCaskeys watching.
Ben Johnson is ready for his opportunity.
There is no arguing it at this point. He’s been the best offensive coordinator in football for three years, and Detroit is a Super Bowl contender largely because of him. He’s 38 years old. What else do the Bears need to see? Yes, the interview process is a necessary part of things, but it feels like there isn’t much else they need to know. Unless Ben Johnson is a complete a**hole behind closed doors or makes unreasonable demands, he should be the next head coach of this team. It sure seems like he wants the job. That seems to be important criteria for this organization. Don’t overthink it. Make the call, shake his hand, and move along.
Erik Washington is so overmatched as a defensive coordinator. He may be a great line coach, but he isn’t even serviceable as a defensive play caller.
Maybe he meant something else, but this sure looked like a colossal act of disrespect for Ryan Poles, and the Bear players.
Remember – he’s not taking a shot at Eberflus, he’s gone. And it can’t be George. Even if BJ doesn’t want the Bears job, he wants them as a credible ruse to run up his price.
So, I read this as, “Ryan Poles, Bear players, I have NO RESPECT whatsoever for you – CLOWNS.”
You know, the same thing most people think when they watch this team.
It was an offense executing a play that put points on the board. Looks like they did that twice as much as we did.
@Sam…..i think your a great BJer 🤣. Kidding. I guess myself and everybody on here does not know him personally. Maybe I would have to see what his entire vision is if he became our HC. You could be right. I do like the fact that hes eager to want to coach the team after being across the sideline watching our dumpster fire of a team. Lets have the stooges interview Vrabel and Johnson and whoever they choose, have the opposite become our HC.
Irashman, for me personally that play showed 2 things… extreme attention to detail that was coached well. Down to everyone yelling “ball, ball, ball”. We could use that level of detail/discipline. And 2) the flat out balls/moxie to do it in front of a hopeful employer on their home field. I don’t want to lump myself into a “BJ’er” lol. But I do really like the thought if him in Chicago. Again, I’m with u that Vrabel is a good choice too. I am just flipped on your #1 and #2 options. I like both coaches. I will gladly eat… Read more »