{"id":206154,"date":"2024-12-23T19:30:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-24T00:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=206154"},"modified":"2024-12-23T20:04:59","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T01:04:59","slug":"espn-drops-major-update-connecting-ben-johnson-to-the-chicago-bears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/12\/23\/espn-drops-major-update-connecting-ben-johnson-to-the-chicago-bears\/","title":{"rendered":"ESPN Drops Major Update Connecting Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears"},"content":{"rendered":"

It seems like the Bears and Lions both won on Sunday. ESPN has reported that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to interview<\/a> for the Chicago Bears head-coaching vacancy. This news comes a day after the Lions defeated the Bears 34-17 at Soldier Field.<\/p>\n

“Sources confirmed to ESPN that the Lions offensive coordinator is a name the Bears expect to interview for their head-coaching vacancy. Detroit put up 400-plus yards of offense for a third time in four games and jumped out to an early 20-0 lead. Conversely, Johnson, who praised quarterback Caleb Williams for how the ball ‘whistles’ when he throws it, got a good look at a strong performance from the rookie.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Lions OC Ben Johnson Expected to Interview for Bears Head Coaching Vacancy<\/h2>\n

Before the Bears vs. Lions matchup, Ben Johnson showed massive praise<\/a> for the 2024 No. 1 overall pick:<\/p>\n

“There’s no question this guy is talented. I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Golden Opportunity for the Chicago Bears<\/h3>\n

Reports earlier this season indicated that Johnson would only entertain head coaching interviews for positions he was genuinely interested in. For the Bears, this is a golden opportunity. Johnson, one of the NFL’s most creative offensive minds,<\/a> could have been a head coach last season but chose to stay in Detroit, waiting for what he called “the right opportunity.” The Bears appear to be that opportunity.<\/p>\n

Sunday’s game was not just a showcase of Johnson’s offensive genius but also an unofficial audition for Caleb Williams to prove he’s the franchise quarterback<\/a> Johnson could build around.<\/p>\n

\n

Ben Johnson couldn\u2019t hold back his smile talking about Caleb Williams. \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n

He knows Caleb is special. This pairing needs to happen. \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/JMvtuv0J2L<\/a><\/p>\n

— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) December 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n