LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The biggest tasks at hand for the Bears’ next head coach are clear. That individual will need to provide the leadership to guide a broken team past a disappointing 2024 season and create structure and stability for 23-year-old quarterback Caleb Williams.
From my viewpoint, there's one candidate who stands out above the rest in offering both solutions for the Bears. That's Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who should be the Bears' top choice to be their next head coach.
The 38-year-old Johnson carries a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds. Under Johnson's guidance, the Lions rank first in scoring and second in total offense this season. Johnson has helped veteran quarterback Jared Goff ascend from being a castoff to a star in Detroit. Goff has thrown for 13,411 yards, 95 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in three seasons with Johnson calling plays.
Beyond his scheme, Johnson has drawn praise for his leadership style, and those familiar with him believe he'd be the ideal figure to turn around a dysfunctional situation at Halas Hall.
Johnson is considered a detail-oriented leader who’s a perfectionist at heart. He has a firm demeanor and demands those around him meet his standard. Johnson has the presence and approach to change the Bears’ rotten culture.
The belief is Johnson is intrigued by the Bears’ job, according to sources around him. The most appealing aspect is the opportunity to work with Williams.
Johnson is familiar with Williams' potential. Johnson’s agent is Richmond Flowers, who founded the QB Collective, a group that has connected NFL coaches with top quarterback prospects. Though the Lions weren’t in a position to select Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson knows what he could have in the Bears’ young quarterback.
The big question is whether the Bears will meet Johnson’s desires in a potential offer. In the coaching cycle last year, speculation swirled that Johnson sought a salary of $15 million annually, but Flowers refuted that notion on behalf of his client. Only experienced, established, championship-winning head coaches – such as Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin and Sean McVay – receive that type of salary.
Even so, the Bears shouldn’t stop short of meeting Johnson’s demands. If they truly want to fix their mess and create sustained success, Johnson is the right leader to do it.
If Johnson seeks a considerable salary, the Bears should pay it. If he wants control of personnel decisions through a boss he's close with, they should fire general manager Ryan Poles. If Johnson wants to work with Poles, the team should grant Poles a contract extension.
The Bears must meet the moment if Johnson checks every box in the interview process. This is a dire time for a franchise starved for success. Any shortcomings in this coaching hire would be unacceptable.
Johnson is the caliber of candidate who can change the Bears’ trajectory. He’s the one whom Chicago should covet.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.