The Chicago Bears suffered a walk-off Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders, falling to 4-3. Matt Eberflus faces intense pressure to succeed with Caleb Williams after the team retained him over fan favorite Justin Fields. If the Bears fail to rebound, Eberflus’s job could be in jeopardy.
Following the defeat, FanSided’s Mark Powell suggested possible replacements for Eberflus, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as a strong candidate.
“First on the list is another rival of the Bears, and a great one at that,” Powell wrote. “Ben Johnson has been in the coaching conversation for two straight offseasons.
He almost became the Washington Commanders’ head coach but decided against it, stating he had unfinished business in Detroit.”
Under Johnson, the Lions boasted one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses in 2023, a trend continuing in 2024. The Bears need a visionary offensive leader to maximize Caleb Williams’s potential.
“And what better setting than Chicago? Johnson could coach in a familiar division, assemble his own staff—perhaps recruiting from the Lions—and develop Williams into one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks,” Powell explained. “From Johnson’s perspective, there’s little downside.”
Johnson’s potential departure wouldn’t be contentious. After returning for a successful season in Detroit, moving to a division rival wouldn’t be driven by animosity. However, staying in the NFC North would certainly add excitement to Lions-Bears matchups.
“The Bears would undoubtedly be elated, as Johnson is among the NFL’s most innovative offensive minds,” Powell added.
