NFL Rumors: Ben Johnson ‘Intrigued By’ Bears HC Vacancy Amid Kliff Kingsbury Buzz | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to be one of the hottest candidates on the coaching market this offseason, and he may have his eyes on the vacancy in Chicago.

“My understanding is Johnson is intrigued by the Bears’ job and he’ll be willing to listen,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday. “There’s a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources, big market, too.”

Of all the current upcoming vacancies, which include the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Bears, Chicago’s is easily the most ideal for coaching candidates. While other vacancies could become open — the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants all feel like very real possibilities, and other organizations could make changes as well — the presence of Williams in Chicago alone makes them intriguing.

He’s not alone, of course – there are offensive playmakers in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and D’Andre Swift, while the defense has been solid – but having a young quarterback with a huge ceiling already on the roster makes life easier for an incoming head coach.

More than a few coaching candidates are likely to have interest in the gig, with Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury previously linked to the opening.

Josina Andersen @Josina Andersen

Exhibit aftermath: #Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.
On OC Kliff Kingsbury – reportedly a candidate for #Bear HC jobs
“…He’s extremely creative with how he sees the field…He still looks at himself in the mirror and takes responsibility…So that’s one thing I appreciate about him…” pic.twitter.com/GHJUSlu0h6

But it’s especially exciting to imagine what Johnson could draw for Williams and the Bears. The offensive coordinator from Detroit is one of the most creative and aggressive players in football, and he routinely uses a variety of trick plays throughout a game. How many teams have run a single hook-and-ladder in the past decade?

The Lions, meanwhile, have run more this season alone. And in the process, Detroit leads the NFL in scoring (32.8 PPG) and is second in yardage (403.9 YPG).

Of course, great coordinators don’t always translate as head coaches. While coordinators may focus primarily on strategy and scheduling, head coaches are like CEOs who run the entire operation while understanding where to delegate, how to appoint the right personnel, etc. And Johnson eschewed head coaching interest last season to remain in Detroit – if the Lions don’t win the Super Bowl this season, it’s possible he could again.

However, he sounds interested in taking the plunge at some point.

“I will say this: I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made of, push the boundaries and see if he’s got what it takes,” he told reporters this past week. “So, yes, there is a fire there. Now, when that time is, I don’t know when it will be, but there is definitely a fire there.”

There’s no question Johnson would add a layer of creativity to Chicago’s offense and improve the rather stale scheme the team used during the Matt Eberflus era. At least for now, Chicago and Johnson feel like a solid match.