Over the past week, it felt as if the idea of Ben Johnson coming to the Chicago Bears was cooling. This was largely due to the expected presence of a more enticing landing spot: the Jacksonville Jaguars. Everybody around the NFL assumed the organization was set to fire head coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke. This was important because it is believed Johnson would prefer to pair with a GM he’s familiar with. Black Monday arrived, and the prediction came true.
Or at least half of it did.
In a stunning move that has completely blindsided the entire NFL, the Jaguars elected to fire Pederson but keep Baalke. This completely changes the landscape for their coaching search, especially where Johnson is involved. At the very least, it puts the Bears on an even playing field with them. They’ve already put in an interview request for the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Expectations are that he will accept it. If this comes down to deciding to work with Baalke or Ryan Poles, Chicago may have the edge.
Ben Johnson has zero reasons for wanting to work with Baalke.
For starters, head coaches seem to get fired under his watch. Jim Harbaugh, Jim Tomsula, and Chip Kelly found that out in San Francisco. Now, Urban Meyer and Pederson have experienced the same. He also doesn’t exactly have a stellar draft track record. Since taking over in 2021, Jacksonville has drafted only one Pro Bowler under him. That was Trevor Lawrence. Baalke also has a reputation for backstage politics. His feud with Harbaugh was legendary. There is no way Johnson should have any interest in walking into that situation.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
That means the ball is in Chicago’s court. Presuming they keep Poles as expected, all they have to do is make a strong enough pitch in their first interview together that such a partnership can work. There are whispers Ben Johnson is at least open to hearing them out. If good impressions are made on both sides, things could come together quickly. It is apparent the 39-year-old is interested in the Bears job. He just needs some assurance that management will align with his vision.
Baalke reminds me of this guy.
Detroit should at least double Ben’s salary and pay him for another position of his choice or wording. I would. And I think my hero, Henry Ford, would agree in this instance. Keep Monty too! He is a work horse.
Given how past events played out for Johnson, it seems to me that the big question now is whether the Bears can do a good enough job selling their HC position to Johnson. He’s got a sweet gig in Detroit, and could probably stay there a decade if he wanted to; Chicago needs to top that, show they can give him even more. Does anybody know if teams are still allowed to discuss positions with potential candidates under contract while their team is in the bye week? Used to be the case, not sure if it’s allowed now or not.… Read more »
The Bears have some now. Just like what Boromir said
I have supported Ben Johnson for the last three months. My Detroit relatives definitely do not want to lose him, and they have fairly long-time and strong ties to the Lions. But they and I agree, there is no certainty that he will be able to handle all the aspects of HC and be so successful. They are also very familiar with Robert Saleh. They rate him up there with Ben. So we thought the two would provide the best 1-2 punch for the Bears’ new regime, with or without Poles. I would add Rizzo for STs. They know and… Read more »