The Chicago Bears have stayed patient with their coaching hire up until now. It has been over two weeks since the regular season ended. In that time, the organization has met with 17 different candidates for the job, but none for the critical second time. That is expected to change this week, with several top options becoming available after their teams fell in the playoffs. None are bigger than Ben Johnson. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is widely considered the best option on the market and likely Chicago’s #1 choice.
Debates have raged among insiders about where he’ll end up. Some believe the Las Vegas Raiders have seized the inside track thanks to Tom Brady, their new part-owner. Others think the Bears have the strongest argument due to quarterback Caleb Williams and a roster that is close to competing. Nobody knows for sure. One thing is clear, though. Adam Schefter of ESPN believes a decision will arrive by the middle of the week at the latest. He confirmed as much on The Pat McAfee Show.
Ben Johnson has three options, but it seems like two are co-favorites.
Those are Las Vegas and Chicago. The appeal of each is largely straightforward. The Raiders appear willing to offer him a massive contract and align him with a new general manager they are in the process of hiring. Chicago provides a clear option at quarterback, a better roster, and a less complicated path to the Super Bowl in the NFC. It comes down to Johnson’s priorities. If he wants more direct personnel control and (maybe) money, Las Vegas is the choice. If he’d prefer not having to go hunting for a quarterback, which can be arduous for any head coach, then the Bears are the choice.
A resolution likely arrives within the next 72 hours. It will be interesting to see who Ben Johnson meets with first. It could dictate how the process goes. Whichever team gets him in their building will put on a full-court press to ensure he doesn’t leave. Chicago has a history of not paying coaches in the past. They won’t get away with that this time. If they want their guy, it will take serious money. By most accounts, Warren is assuring everybody that the Bears are willing to pay. Maybe that is what tips the scales.
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