Ask most Chicago Bears fans who their preferred next head coach is; their answer would be the same. They want Ben Johnson. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has put together three years of glittering tape showcasing his ability as a play-caller. He’s turned Jared Goff into an MVP candidate and has the Lions vying for their first-ever Super Bowl championship. It has been rumored for weeks that Johnson has interest in the Bears coaching job. That doesn’t seem to have died away, but circumstances have changed.
It appears the young coach has certain conditions he’s looking for that only specific teams can meet. According to Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron, there are only two in the running. Chicago is in play, but they aren’t the favorites.
Certain factors have been mentioned for why Jacksonville has the advantage. They’re a smaller market with less pressure. They sit in a weaker division and also present money incentives with no state income tax. However, the biggest selling point appears to be the chance to pair with a GM Johnson knows. The Jaguars are expected to fire Trent Baalke, and the replacement would have ties to the coach.
The Bears will have to either sway Ben Johnson or meet his criteria.
Right now, it appears as if the presence of GM Ryan Poles is the primary obstacle blocking the way. It still isn’t clear if the Bears plan to keep him. His contract has only one year left and hasn’t been extended yet. That likely must happen by this coming Monday. Retaining him would make Johnson leery of joining the team, given what happened with Matt Eberflus and the fact that the two are unfamiliar. Poles would need to make a strong impression in the interview, which is asking a lot considering what Jacksonville is offering.
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On the other hand, if the Bears were to fire Poles, which Zimmerman still believes is possible, that could be the decisive move that swings Ben Johnson their way. It has been apparent for some time that he loves the idea of working with Caleb Williams. However, he doesn’t feel the need to accept whatever setup the Bears have. He has enough leverage to demand a structure that offers more stability. We’re about to find out how much Kevin Warren wants him in Chicago.
Whatever they do, don’t go the route of Flores. He might be a good defensive coach, but that’s where he needs to stay. He can’t identify an offensive coordinator from his history. 3 in 4 years, and one of those years was co-offensive coordinator. He tried everything in his power to ruin Tua! Then he gets fired, and he sues the owner and the league over racism concerns. You don’t want that guy in charge! Especially when Johnson is right there for the taking! He was the best offensive mind in last year’s coaching class, but because the Bear’s job… Read more »
@Tom Waddle Told Ya…….Johnson has the best oline in football and when you can run and pass at will your gonna look pretty damn good. Try doing that fake fall down play with the Bears offense and watch that shit go the other way for 6 points Also he wasnt even the best coordinator on the team. For awhile Glenn was even doing better than him because he was doing it with less. Oh and that MEATHEAD Dan Quinn went downhill huh?? Who the F just coached the Redskins into the playoffs his first year back?? I guess that was… Read more »
I think the history tells us all that the owners will keep Ryan Poles, all the evidence in the world merits his firing. Ryan Poles has made the Bears worse, for example, the team has no running game now, Saquon Barkley was available, but Ryan Poles chose DeVante Swift, even Josh Jacobs was available. Ryan Poles has failed the offensive line, he thought Coleman Shelton was good, he over payed for a guy in free agency that got his money and laid back to collect his check, the defense is now bad, no way any coach that comes in with… Read more »
@UnintelligentIrishman, You say Slowik is struggling in year 2. Well, Johnson is thriving more than ever in YEAR THREE. Also, the meatball Dan Campbell isn’t the reason for the Lions success, just like Meathead Dan Quinn wasn’t the reason for the Falcons success and the team went downhill once Kyle Shanahan left.
LMAO @ sally. London ha ha. We dumped the kingdom for freedom. Stuffy azzed tea drinking bitches. It’s where you belong. Do America a favor and stay there. You’re not wanted here. Your visa has been canceled.