The Chicago Bears are facing a crucial offseason where the most important thing is finding the right head coach to lead this team and develop quarterback Caleb Williams. And, if the Bears get this right, it’ll be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Ever since Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus after the team’s brutal Thanksgiving loss to the Lions, Johnson has been a hot name linked to the team. What Johnson has done with quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit’s offense over the past three years has been nothing short of astonishing, and it’s exactly what this Bears offense needs.
Before Sunday’s game against the Lions, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Johnson is “intrigued” by Chicago’s head coach vacancy. And, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Johnson is expected to interview for the Bears’ coaching job this offseason.
When asked about Williams last week, Johnson explained he was impressed with what he’s seen from the rookie.
“It’s been difficult to just sit down and study every throw, but … there’s no question that this guy is talented,” Johnson told Detroit reporters. “I remember standing on the sideline last game (Thanksgiving against the Bears) and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball, has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field, as well. Like I said, I haven’t really dove in and can’t tell you much more beyond that, but he’s been impressive from afar.”
While Chicago has other needs to help turn this offense around — starting with the offensive line — Johnson would be a crucial get to help get the most out of Williams, who has already shown that he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson expected to interview for Bears head coaching job