Albert Breer revealed last week that the potential head coach name GM Ryan Poles would likely gravitate towards is Mike Vrabel. The former Tennessee Titans head coach was in Kansas City at the same time as Poles when he was a scout. Both also have direct ties to former GM Scott Pioli. It is a natural connection. However, things may have shifted. A source informed SM that while Vrabel is a definite interview hopeful, he isn’t the one the Chicago Bears GM has now circled as his preferred target.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Multiple factors have led to this. It starts with the obvious: Johnson has an offensive background. Poles wants to put somebody in charge who has the best chance to develop quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson has enjoyed three years of elite success in Detroit. Poles started researching the 38-year-old in the middle of last season when Matt Eberflus’ status was shaky. Everything he has gathered on Johnson to this point is encouraging, from his excellent education to his intelligence, track record, and glowing reviews from those close to him.
Ryan Poles knows his best hope at survival is elevating Williams.
Yes, the team needs a leader to overcome a losing mentality that has permeated Halas Hall for a decade. It is impossible to know for sure if Johnson has those capabilities. However, he does have experience turning around a woeful franchise in Detroit. If he can do for Williams what he has done for Jared Goff, there is no question the Bears will be able to win more games next year. This isn’t another Matt Nagy situation. The former Bears head coach had one year of experience as a coordinator and never called plays. Johnson has run the offense by himself for three years. He’s a proven commodity.
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He also has some mentors who can prepare him for what to expect in Chicago. John Shoop was offensive coordinator for the Bears from 2001 to 2003. He learned what the city was like during that time. Adam Gase also spent a year here in 2015. He and Johnson worked together in Miami. The young coach wouldn’t be going in blind. Ryan Poles would be taking a considerable risk going with another first-time coach, but it feels like he is targeting the right one for once.
