Lions OC Ben Johnson intrigued by Bears head coach vacancy

Johnson, 38, remains in the second stretch of the hiring cycle one of the hottest candidates for head coaching openings. The Lions, under Johnson’s play-calling and quarterback Jared Goff’s play, have transformed into an offensive game that ranks in the top five in points and total yards since 2022.

Any team with a head coaching vacancy and a young QB in need of stewardship is expected to look Johnson’s way. The bears are no exception.

Chicago’s defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus in late November after a 4-8 start in his third season at the helm. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams has shown flashes of greatness, but hasn’t enjoyed a consistent season under center amid Chicago’s HC and OC mix. Maximizing his potential is expected to be a key priority in the Bears’ coaching search.

In addition to Johnson, the Bears are expected to target Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Bills OC Joe Brady, ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury and internal candidate Thomas Brown, who was promoted from passing game coordinator to OC to head. training during a month this season.

However, Chicago is not the only team looking for a new head coach (and therefore interested in Johnson). The Jets and Saints are also in the hunt for a new skipper.

Teams can’t begin interviewing current NFL assistants, including Johnson, until after the regular season, so Chicago’s official come-on will have to wait. But the feeling process has apparently begun on both sides.