The Bears had high hopes for 2024 after drafting Caleb Williams first overall. They also added the WR Keenan Allen from the Chargers, but the concerns were there. And those turned out to be true. With the season finale left to play, they have a 4-12 win-loss record. The offseason has many surprises for Da Bears.

While talking to Patrick Finley on Friday, January 3, the receiver delivered a stern message to his quarterback that he would join the Rams or Chargers in 2025. This comes as a big shocker, considering they are good friends in the locker room, with the veteran playing the role of a mentor. If that didn’t happen, he would bring his family to Chicago. Hinting that he might change his team after becoming a free agent, Allen said, “I have to talk it over with the wife and the kids to see what they want to do.”

Though he claimed that he was patient while working with Caleb Williams, Allen made an interesting statement. He said that he wanted a coach with experience. And would only stop if the Bears brought in a brilliant coach. For QB Williams, losing such a veteran receiver might derail his comeback plans in the 2025 season.

In 2024, Keenan Allen brought in Chris Beatty to the Bears from the Chargers. Beatty came in as wide receivers coach but became interim offensive coordinator in December 2024. He praised Allen’s professionalism on January 3, saying, “I appreciate Keenan more than I could really express because he’s allowed me to coach him. But I do think he’s one of those types of guys that’s a quarterback’s best friend. I think Caleb would probably come tell you the same thing.”

The Bears are listening to his player. With the season finale a couple of days away, they have started to vet the candidates. It’s exciting.

Can Ben Johnson keep Keenan Allen from leaving the Bears?

On January 2, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler came with bombshell news. He claimed that the Lions OC’ Ben Johnson is a favorite candidate to become the head coach and said, “After sitting out the past two coaching cycles, it seems like it’s Johnson’s time to become a head coach. And it appears that Johnson has at least some interest in the Bears gig.”

Johnson could strengthen the O-line of the Bears like he transformed the Lions into an attacking team over the last 2 years. This prospect of an improvement might keep Keenan Allen at the Bears if the Lions OC came there. But there has been an issue as well. Johnson has some issues in interview settings but claimed that he has learned from the experience.

There is intense competition for the HC position. Super Bowl-winning coaches Pete Carroll and Mike McCarthy are also being named up. Mike Vrabel’s name is also being discussed. But there are chances he might go to the Patriots. The season is in its final week. Expect changes in the locker rooms of the league.