The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions will do battle at Solider Field in what's expected to be a lopsided NFC North affair, but that doesn't mean Bears fans should have no interest in the game. In fact, it might be the most important Bears game of the season.
Chicago is mere weeks away from kicking their head coaching search into high gear, and the candidate who's generating the most buzz as the apple of the Bears' eye is Lions OC Ben Johnson.
The feeling may be mutual.
According to a report by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Johnson is 'intrigued' by Chicago's coaching vacancy.
"My understanding is, Johnson is intrigued by the Bears job, and he's going to be willing to listen," Pelissero said. "There's a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources. Also, a major market, they're expected to break ground on a new stadium next year."
NFL Network’s @TomPelissero reports that Ben Johnson is interested in the #Bears head coaching job. pic.twitter.com/IUu5YYMpfd
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 22, 2024
The complicating factor with Johnson is the Lions' expected deep playoff run. There's no doubt the Bears will interview other candidates before Johnson can legitimately be considered, and if the Lion's OC decides to pull his name from contention whenever Detroit's season ends, Chicago could be left with few candidates remaining. Undoubtedly, other top names like Mike Vrabel will be scooped up quickly.
Patience will be required for whoever targets Ben Johnson as their top head coaching candidate. Time will tell if the Chicago Bears have it.
