Chicago Bears fans were only thinking of one thing watching the Detroit Lions matchup against the Washington Commanders: “I hope the Lions lose so the Bears can hire Ben Johnson already.” At least most Bears fans were.
It’s been a long, grueling process for both the organization and fans alike, but it’s just kicked into overdrive.
With the Commanders upset win over the Lions, the NFL’s coaching cycle has been dramatically sped up. Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now can interview and take head coaching jobs as soon as this week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2025
Bears Quest for Ben Johnson Kicked Into Overdrive
Thanks to the Lions’ loss on Saturday, the Bears now have the opportunity to interview Ben Johnson in person for their head coach position. But it’s not the sole reason for the Bears’ ramped-up process of trying to hire Johnson.
Phase 1: Bears Call Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin
The process began when the Bears called the Pittsburgh Steelers to try to talk to head coach Mike Tomlin. Unsurprisingly, the Steelers declined, but the move seemed less about actually hiring Tomlin and more about sending a message to Ben Johnson: Chicago isn’t afraid to spend.
Tomlin is tied with Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh as the third-highest-paid head coach in the NFL with an average annual salary of $16 million. If money were the issue holding Johnson back from signing with the Bears, it shouldn’t be anymore.
Phase 2: Scheduled Interview with Eddie George
Shortly after the Lions’ game, NFL analyst Jay Glazer reported that the Bears have scheduled an interview with Tennessee State head coach and Hall of Fame running back Eddie George. Not that George isn’t a qualified candidate, but this sudden interview appears to be an effort to fulfill the Rooney Rule and ramp-up the hiring of Johnson.
Phase 3: The Final Push
The Bears aren’t hiding it anymore—they want Ben Johnson. The next step involves finalizing the details with him. However, with the Las Vegas Raiders ramping up their search and Tom Brady potentially involved in their recruitment efforts, the Bears are feeling the pressure.
There’s also the question of Ryan Poles’ influence. Would Johnson prefer the opportunity to pair with a general manager of his choice in Las Vegas, or is the chance to work with Caleb Williams in Chicago a stronger incentive despite the Bears keeping Poles as the GM?
Either way, it’s reported that Johnson likely knows where he wants to go coach, and he’d like to get to work A.S.A.P. and assemble a coaching staff. Seems the Bears are complying at the moment.
Outlook
For a team that supposedly has the “most coveted job in the National Football League this year,” it doesn’t entirely feel that way. With the New England Patriots having already hired Mike Vrabel, the race for Ben Johnson appears to be a three-way competition between the Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Bears.
If Johnson were to end up in one of those spots, that leaves the Bears with arguably the third-best option for head coach at best. That’s not an outcome the Bears, fans, or players want to face. So act quickly and make the decision, because it could determine the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Main Image: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports
