The season is ending within a few days. The Bears, Jets, and Saints are three franchises, profiling the candidates. Be prepared for hiring and firing. Detroit Lions’ OC Ben Johnson is one of those names being discussed in football circles. He has a pretty strong resume as the Lions have qualified for playoffs twice. Moreover, The Lions under Johnson’s play-calling and quarterback Jared Goff’s play have morphed into an offensive juggernaut, ranking in the top five in points and total yards since 2022.

Johnson has been one of the hottest names in terms of head-coaching candidates for a few years now, but fortunately, the Lions have been able to retain him. However, it seems inevitable that Johnson will eventually leave for a head-coaching gig elsewhere, and that could come as soon as 2025. And Johnson has come out clearly on his wish to become a head coach.

“I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of, push the limits, and see if he’s got what it takes. So, yeah, there’s a fire there. When that time is, I don’t know when that would be, but there’s certainly a fire there,” Johnson had said about it. Amid all these, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler is gauging the interests of various teams as the regular season is approaching the end.

Fowler praised the Lions OC before saying, “After sitting out the past two coaching cycles, it seems like it’s Johnson’s time to become a head coach. Fit will be important, but the Bears could appeal to Johnson because he can help quarterback Caleb Williams. And it appears that Johnson has at least some interest in the Bears gig.” And he’s right. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero exactly pointed out the same.

“You got a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, the raw talent there. They got a ton of cap space. They got extra draft picks. Big market. They’re hoping to break ground on a new stadium in 2025. It’s not to say that’s the only job that Ben Johnson would consider. But right now, Peter, if you’re asking me where does Ben Johnson end up if he takes a job right now, I would say your best bet is Chicago,” Pelissero said days back.

The $6.4 billion franchise has been waiting for another Super Bowl for 4 decades. It might be an expectation too heavy, in case Ben Johnson becomes the Bears’ head coach. But the GM Ryan Poles and President Kevin Warren are still there. So the Lions’ OC would have to work closely with them. They all need to get on the same page.

However, there’s another problem. Johnson has struggled in the past interviews. Addressing that point, Fowler added, “Yes, the whispers about him struggling in certain interview settings in the past are there, but Johnson says he has learned from the experience.” Well, we’ll find out about it in a few days. Johnson is not a rookie to head-coaching interviews. He interviewed for gigs with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts after the 2022 season. He also interviewed with the Carolina Panthers last year.

After the 2024 season, Commanders and Seahawks pursued him, but he refused. However, the competition for the Bears HC position is intense. The Lions OC would be up against Super Bowl winning coaches. One name might shock you.

Ben Johnson competing against 2 head coaches to become Bears HC

Fowler confirmed the rumors about Pete Carroll trying to become the head coach of the Bears. The former Seahawks HC has a decade plus experience in the league. In 2013, he even guided the Hawks to a Super Bowl. But Folwer shocked everyone with the second HC who might join the race soon.

According to an NFL insider, Ben Johnson might have to fight against Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy. He claimed that if the America’s Team doesn’t sign an extension with him, he would try to become the Bears head coach. That’s shocking. McCarthy also comes with a decade plus of experience with a Super Bowl in 2010.

Caleb Williams isn’t concerned about the development at the franchise. He has left the decision in the hands of management. And believes that they would hire the best person in their interest. The Bears are confused. Newer names are coming up with every passing week.