The Chicago Bears’ search for a new head coach has taken an interesting turn, with their top candidate’s availability hanging precariously in the balance. Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ highly respected offensive coordinator, has emerged as the Bears’ number one target, but his current team’s postseason run has thrown a wrench into the works.
As the Lions continue to push forward in the playoffs, Johnson’s status remains up in the air. The Bears are willing to wait for their top choice, but the longer the Lions’ season extends, the more uncertain Johnson’s future becomes.
Johnson’s appeal to the Bears is easy to understand. In his two seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, he has overseen a dramatic transformation of the team’s offense. Detroit has gone from being one of the league’s worst offenses to a unit that has consistently ranked among the top 10.
The Bears, who have struggled to find consistency on offense in recent seasons, are eager to tap into Johnson’s expertise. With quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm, the Bears believe Johnson could be the key to unlocking their offense’s full potential.
However, the Bears’ desire to land Johnson has put them in a difficult spot. With the Lions still alive in the playoffs, Johnson is unable to interview for the Bears’ head coaching job. The NFL’s rules prohibit teams from interviewing coaches who are still employed by other teams during the postseason.
As a result, the Bears are being forced to play the waiting game. They are willing to delay their coaching search until after the Super Bowl, if necessary, in order to land Johnson.
This approach represents a departure from the Bears’ usual modus operandi. In the past, the team has been impatient in their coaching searches, often opting to hire a candidate quickly rather than waiting for their top choice.
But the Bears are willing to make an exception for Johnson. They believe he has the potential to be a game-changer for their offense, and they are willing to wait for him.
The Lions, meanwhile, are focused on their postseason run. They are determined to make a deep playoff push, and Johnson is a key part of their coaching staff.
As the Lions continue to push forward in the playoffs, Johnson’s future remains uncertain. The Bears are waiting patiently for their top candidate, but they know that there are no guarantees.
In the end, the Bears may emerge with Johnson as their new head coach. Or they may be forced to look elsewhere. One thing is certain, however: the Bears’ coaching search has taken a dramatic turn, and the outcome is far from certain.
The NFL’s coaching carousel is always full of twists and turns, and the Bears’ search for a new head coach is no exception. As the Lions continue to push forward in the playoffs, the Bears are being forced to wait for their top candidate.
It’s a high-stakes game of musical chairs, with the Bears waiting patiently for Johnson to become available. Will they ultimately land their top candidate, or will they be forced to look elsewhere? Only time will tell.
