According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson are in a “two-horse race” for the Chicago Bears head coaching position. Ryan Flores may also be considered if he “wows” the Bears.
“For all intensive purposes, the Chicago job, it is a two-horse race between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson,” Schultz told the crowd. “I believe that if Ryan Flores steps in and impresses them, they will remain in the mix. But, for now, I believe McCarthy and Ben Johnson are the two leading prospects for Chicago.”
McCarthy, who left the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week, had an interview with Chicago on Wednesday. Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, spoke with the Bears over the weekend. Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, has not yet interviewed with Chicago, but will do so on Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
According to Schultz, the Bears are seeking an offensive-minded head coach to cater to quarterback Caleb Williams, though the rookie will not have a say in who is named head coach. Chicago would get an offensive-minded coach in both McCarthy and Johnson. Aside from the 2024 season, McCarthy’s Cowboys usually finished at the top in points per game, including in 2021 when they led the NFL with 31.2 points per game. Of course, some of that success can be attributed star quarterback Dak Prescott, but the Bears are hoping Williams can play out and thrive in an offensive system helmed by McCarthy.
McCarthy’s track record of developing quarterbacks, including Prescott and Aaron Rodgers, piqued Chicago’s interest in him. Johnson has led a resurgence in Detroit, with the Lions’ offense leading the league in yards per game and points per game (33.2).
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