The Chicago Bears are actively conducting interviews for their new head coach after finishing the season with a disappointing
5-12 record.Following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus, the team is now considering top candidates to take on the role.
On Saturday, the Bears announced that they had completed their first interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Johnson, whose Lions secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC after winning their division for the second straight year, has this week off, allowing him to meet with potential suitors.
The Bears confirmed the interview through their official X account, stating, “We have completed an interview with head coach candidate Ben Johnson.”
Johnson has been one of the most prominent candidates since Eberflus was fired after a dramatic late-game loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Known for his innovative offensive strategies, Johnson was expected to carefully choose which teams he would engage with during this hiring cycle.
Reports suggest he remains highly selective, having interviewed with the Bears, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars before focusing on the Lions’ upcoming playoff campaign, which begins in the Divisional Round next weekend.
Over the weekend, the Patriots finalized their head coaching decision, hiring Mike Vrabel.
The former Tennessee Titans head coach and Super Bowl-winning player with the franchise will now lead New England, narrowing Johnson’s potential destinations to three teams.
Among those remaining are the Raiders, who currently hold the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While this position may not allow them to secure top quarterback prospects like Shedeur Sanders of Colorado or Cam Ward of Miami, the Raiders could explore trading up or striking a deal with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, should they decide to trade J.J. McCarthy this offseason.
However, their quarterback uncertainty may place them lower on Johnson’s list of preferred teams.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, have a solid quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who is under a $275 million contract.
However, Lawrence struggled with injuries and inconsistency this past season, which could complicate Jacksonville’s appeal to a coaching candidate like Johnson.
The Bears appear to be in a favorable position relative to these other teams.
They possess nearly $75.2 million in projected salary cap space for 2025 and have Caleb Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner, under an affordable rookie contract for several years.
Additionally, the Bears hold three picks in the first 41 selections of the 2025 draft, which positions them well to add even more talent to their roster. These factors, combined with Johnson’s prior interest in the role last season, make Chicago a likely frontrunner for his services.
However, the Bears must decide how Johnson stacks up against other candidates they have interviewed or plan to interview.
While Vrabel is no longer an option, the Dallas Cowboys also declined Chicago’s request to speak with their head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Other prominent candidates include Aaron Glenn, Johnson’s colleague and the Lions’ defensive coordinator, as well as Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
Additionally, the Bears are reportedly interested in Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who is set to lead his team against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Championship on January 20.
Given Johnson’s reputation as one of the most sought-after coaching candidates, Chicago must weigh their options carefully as they move forward in the hiring process.
While Johnson’s prior interest in the Bears and their favorable roster and salary cap situation make them an attractive landing spot, the team has yet to make a definitive decision about its next head coach.