With the Chicago Bears expected to seek a new head coach in 2025 following Matt Eberflus’s firing, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is emerging as a potential candidate.
Johnson, known for his success in Detroit, has been a sought-after name for head-coaching roles. However, would he truly consider the Bears’ position if offered?
On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested Johnson might be interested in the role, marking a shift from his earlier stance. “Everybody’s gonna have their eyes on Ben Johnson… and I think he might have some interest in that job,” Schefter said. “We’ll see if they can convince him to come to Chicago.”
This differs from Schefter’s remarks on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Nov. 7, where he expressed doubts about Johnson’s willingness to join Chicago, citing his selective nature and the Bears’ organizational dysfunction.
There are reasons Johnson could be intrigued. The Bears feature 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, a talented roster, and $82 million in projected cap space for 2025.
Still, Chicago’s reputation as a poorly run organization looms, highlighted by Eberflus’s unceremonious exit after his Week 13 misstep against Detroit.
Whether the Bears’ past dysfunction outweighs their potential appeal remains uncertain, but Johnson’s decision will undoubtedly be a key offseason storyline.
