Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, has already become the hottest name in NFL head coaching searches this season. It’s not surprising that the Chicago Bears were linked to him even before Matt Eberflus was fired. Hiring Johnson would be a no-brainer. He’s one of the most brilliant offensive brains in football. He’d do wonders with Caleb Williams at QB.
Best of all, Tom Pelissero says Johnson is “intrigued” by the Bears’ opening and “will listen” to their presentation.
If Chicago has the opportunity to pursue Johnson, they should do everything in their ability to hire him. There’s only one complication.
Current NFL assistants are unable to interview until after the regular season has concluded, which is not far away. Johnson, on the other hand, decided to stay with the Lions last year on January 30, after the Lions lost the NFC Championship Game.
If Johnson adheres to the same timeframe, his availability may be linked to Detroit’s postseason performance. The Lions presently have the top seed. Assuming they win the 49ers in Week 17, their regular-season finale against the Vikings will most likely determine whether they get the bye and home field advantage.
Detroit has dealt with devastating injuries on defense, but they remain an extremely impressive squad, particularly on offensively. It would surprise no one if they made another long playoff run this year.
Waiting and whiffing on Ben Johnson is the Bears’ biggest worry as they seek for a head coach
Waiting for Johnson would undoubtedly be worthwhile, but only if he truly wants to take the position. And there is no guarantee of that. He has shown over the last two seasons that he is prepared to wait for the appropriate opportunity. There’s a chance he’ll listen to the Bears just to reject them. Whatever back channeling Chicago can do ahead of time is required to determine Johnson’s seriousness in considering them. By the time the Bears had the opportunity to speak with Johnson, other prospects may have already been eliminated. Mike Vrabel and Jesse Minter come to mind as options who are available immediately.
Brian Flores and Joe Brady may take as long to become available, but an early playoff departure for the Vikings or Bills would accelerate that process. If Vrabel wants the job, are you willing to wait and risk losing him? If Minter, Flores, or Brady are ready to go, do you wait for the Saints or Jets to swoop in? If I were the Bears, I would wait as long as necessary to hire Johnson. Waiting, however, carries a risk that Chicago must weigh.
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