The Chicago Bears appear to be preparing their final push for a new head coach this week. They’ve been without one since the day after Thanksgiving, the longest that has ever happened in franchise history. GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren have approached the search methodically. The team has interviewed 16 candidates, with a 17th, former running back Eddie George, expected today. What is notable about that one is it will officially make the Bears compliant with the Rooney Rule.
That means they will be free to hire whomever they wish. It feels like the team is ready to make a full push to get their guy. What remains unknown is who that is. Most believe Ben Johnson is the preferred target. His Detroit Lions just exited the playoffs after a heartbreaking home loss to Washington. However, it appears the Las Vegas Raiders are now the betting favorite to land him. If that happens, expectations are Chicago will pivot to former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
However, David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 isn’t so sure. Another name could be creeping into the conversation.
Todd Monken to the Chicago Bears always hovered in the background.
Like Johnson, he’s been one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the NFL over the past two years. His offense ranked 6th last season and now ranks 1st. Lamar Jackson could win his second consecutive MVP under his direction. This comes after Monken won two national championships with Georgia. If anybody feels ready to get his head coaching opportunity, it’s him. What wasn’t certain was whether he could make a strong case to the Bears about his candidacy. That hurdle seems to have been cleared.
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One must not forget that Monken is a local guy. He grew up in Wheaton. Poles always loves homegrown talent. If Johnson falls through as an option, Monken might be a legitimate contender for the job. The next signal will be if he gets a second interview this week. That will likely be determined by what Johnson does. Multiple insiders have said Chicago has had eyes on Monken for months. The interest is obviously there. How big of an impression he made could determine how this goes.
