Momentum is starting to build for the Chicago Bears' chances of landing Ben Johnson as the team's next head coach
The Chicago Bears' head coaching search will soon come an end in the coming days with many openings expected to be filled as soon as this week.Following the Divisional Round results this weekend, many of the top candidates are now free to sign with any team looking for a new head coach, including the top […]
The Chicago Bears' head coaching search will soon come an end in the coming days with many openings expected to be filled as soon as this week.
Following the Divisional Round results this weekend, many of the top candidates are now free to sign with any team looking for a new head coach, including the top candidate in the cycle: Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The connection and interest between Johnson and the Bears has been reported for months now and we might be getting closer to a final decision.
Johnson is expected to potentially meet with the Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars again this week before making an official decision. I wouldn't be surprised if all three teams offer him a contract.
But, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the momentum might be on the Bears' side. Anderson noted that league sources believe Johnson is "deeply considering" the head coaching vacancy with the Bears.
This is obviously major news, but nothing is confirmed as of right now. The upcoming interviews with the Raiders, Jaguars, and even Bears could sway Johnson's mind back in another direction and who his general manager will be is going have a major impact in his decision.
We've known for weeks that Johnson wants stability in his next team if he were to become a head coach and alignment with the front office. The Raiders are taking that request seriously by moving on from general manager Tom Telesco. One of the top candidates for the team's GM job is Lance Newmark, whom ESPN's Adam Schefter noted has a strong relationship with Johnson.
As for the Jaguars, the team for the moment has retained general manager Trent Baalke, although Albert Breer reported that Baalke could be gone if Johnson is hired.
On the Bears' side of things, the team seem to be on board with keeping general manager Ryan Poles and the relationship Poles builds with Johnson during a potential second interview will be critical in hopes of reeling in the big fish.
Like I previously said, a lot can change in the coming days but hearing the Bears are in front of the Ben Johnson Sweepstakes is a comforting thing to take notice of.
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