(670 The Score) Throughout their meticulous search for their next head coach, the Bears' timeline has waited for one of the most coveted candidates available.
That's Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who will soon be available for hire.
Following the top-seeded Lions’ 45-31 loss to the Commanders on Saturday in the NFL divisional round, Johnson will be eligible to conduct in-person interviews starting Monday.
Johnson, 38, held a virtual interview with the Bears’ search committee on Jan. 11. He's one of 16 candidates known to have interviewed for the job thus far. The newest candidate to meet with Chicago's brass was Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, who held a virtual interview Saturday.
The Bears are set to meet in-person with Tennessee State head coach Eddie George on Sunday, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported. That interview with George would make Chicago compliant with the league’s Rooney Rule, which requires at least two in-person interviews with external minority candidates.
Johnson’s next move isn't yet clear, though it will be telling. He's also being courted by the Raiders, who are anticipated to present a strong pitch for Las Vegas.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion former quarterback, is part of the courtship to Las Vegas.
The Raiders recently fired general manager Tom Telesco, creating the potential for Johnson to have a strong presence in personnel decisions in Las Vegas.
The Raiders are set to interview Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark on Sunday for their general manager position, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported. Newmark previously worked in the Lions’ front office and was considered close to Johnson.
When a league source close to Johnson was recently asked whom he might covet as a hand-picked general manager, there was an instant answer: Newmark.
If Johnson is indeed the Bears’ top choice for head coach but chooses to go elsewhere, they could have a fallback option in former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy, 61, flew in to Chicago and interviewed with the Bears in-person last Wednesday. He's considered a strong candidate at Halas Hall. McCarthy led the Packers and Cowboys to playoff appearances in 12 of his 18 years as head coach. The Bears have reached the postseason four times in that span.
Beyond Johnson and McCarthy, the Bears could also go back to their well of candidates and explore other options.
Once the Bears are compliant with the Rooney Rule by the end of Sunday, they're permitted to hire their next head coach as soon as desired.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.