Black Monday is a day that many staffers across the NFL dread every year. It’s not just head coaches who are let go, but entire staffs. It’s a day that means a complete upending for families across the league. To remember that, it’s not just about numbers, but about lives and livelihoods.
However, there are teams that are now in need of a head coach. The Chicago Bears, for one, are among them. With the recent win against the Packers, they have halted their 10-game losing streak and 11-game losing streak to the Packers. Interim head coach Thomas Brown has secured his first win, and general manager Ryan Poles has stated that he will get a full, formal interview for the permanent position.
Another name that has been at the top of many Bears fans’ wish lists is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has been at the top of the league’s scoring offense, with the Lions averaging nearly 33 points per game in the regular season. His offenses have become the standard over the past two seasons, and he’s known for his playcalling and ability to draw up new wrinkles weekly.
The Bears have already expressed interest in interviewing Johnson, and it’s hard to argue against it. Johnson would be able to take over the development of quarterback Caleb Williams, the team’s 2024 first-overall pick. Williams has shown impressive numbers this season, with 3,451 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. He threw just six interceptions, and his completion percentage of 62.5% ranks fourth among rookie quarterbacks.
Johnson has also shown what he can do with quarterback Jared Goff, who was sent to the Lions as part of a trade for Matthew Stafford. Goff has become a more confident and efficient quarterback under Johnson’s guidance. He’s also gotten the best out of tight end Sam LaPorta, who went off for four touchdowns in the season finale.
The Bears are not the only team with a promising young quarterback, however. The New England Patriots, who fired head coach Jerod Mayo, also have a first-round draft pick and leaders in salary cap space. The Pats will have over $130 million in space for 2025, while the Bears will have around $80 million.
The Bears have locked in players like wide receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet to long-term deals, and they have a strong group of draft picks, including four in the top 100. While the Bears have some needs on defense, they seem to be the path of least resistance for Johnson.
Johnson is already familiar with the division, and his ability to play chess with his opponents is unmatched. He throws out impossible looks and trick plays every game, and he’s known for his ability to exploit his opponents’ weaknesses. With minimal shakeups around the division, Johnson would already have all the knowledge he needs.
In the end, the Bears may be the only team that makes sense for Johnson. The question is whether the team’s brass is willing to pay the price for the hottest head coaching candidate on the market. Johnson won’t come cheap, but for the right fit, it may be worth it.
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