Details Emerge From Bears Interview With Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears have been active since their season ended, recently completing their sixth head coaching interview. This latest interview, held on Saturday, was with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and was highly anticipated. Johnson’s interview stood out as particularly significant, with the Bears reportedly very interested in him for some time.

According to an anonymous but reliable Bears insider account, SearsTower, the interview went exceptionally well. Reports indicate the Bears were “thoroughly impressed” with Johnson, suggesting he not only met their high expectations but may have even exceeded them. The Bears’ leadership, including GM Ryan Poles, appears to have effectively addressed any concerns Johnson had about the team’s organizational stability.

“The Bears were thoroughly impressed. They had high expectations and it’s safe to say he met them, maybe even surpassed. From the Bears perspective, they think they were able to alleviate some of his concerns about the Bears leadership and organization.”

The Bears were thoroughly impressed. They had high expectations and it's safe to say he met them, maybe even surpassed.

From the Bears perspective, they think they were able to alleviate some of his concerns about the Bears leadership and organization. https://t.co/HMc6P4Enee

— SearSTower (@SearTower) January 11, 2025

The Bears successfully passed the first test.

The takeaway from this interview is that Johnson’s concerns about the Bears’ leadership may have been alleviated, and the Bears, particularly GM Ryan Poles, were very impressed with him. While it’s no surprise that Johnson, one of the top coaching candidates, made a strong impression, the Bears seem determined not to overcomplicate the decision.

Bears fans need a win. Hope they land him. https://t.co/8So0an6XS2

— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 11, 2025

However, competition for Johnson is stiff, with both the Raiders and Jaguars reportedly very interested. The Bears pursuit of Johnson will pause until after the Lions playoff run concludes, making it an intriguing situation to watch. The Bears need a PR boost, and hiring an offensive mastermind to pair with Caleb Williams would be a game-changer for both the organization and the fanbase.