As Chicago searches for its next head coach, it appears there is some mutual interest with a division rival's offensive coordinator.
Lions OC Ben Johnson is intrigued by the Bears' opening and is willing to listen to overtures, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning.
"There's a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources," Pelissero explained. "Team president Kevin Warren has a lot of connections around the league from his several decades in pro and college football. That's allowed them to get a jump start on the search process, gathering background as part of what is expected to be a thorough search led by Warren and GM Ryan Poles."
Johnson, 38, remains for the second straight hiring cycle one of the hottest candidates for head coach openings. The Lions under Johnson's play-calling and quarterback Jared Goff's play have morphed into an offensive juggernaut, ranking in the top five in points and total yards since 2022.
Any team with a head coach vacancy and a young QB in need of stewardship is expected to look Johnson's way. The Bears are no exception.
Chicago canned defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus in late November after a 4-8 start to his third season at the helm. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams has shown glimpses of greatness but has not enjoyed a consistent season under center amid Chicago's HC and OC shuffling. Maximizing his potential is expected to be a key priority in the Bears' coaching search.
In addition to Johnson, the Bears are expected to target Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Bills OC Joe Brady, ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury and internal candidate Thomas Brown, who was promoted from passing game coordinator to OC to head coach over the course of a month this season.
Chicago isn't the only team, however, in search of a new head coach (and therefore interested in Johnson). The Jets and Saints are also in search of a new skipper.
Teams cannot begin interviewing current NFL assistants, including Johnson, until after the regular season, so Chicago's official come-on will have to wait. But the feeling out process, on both sides, has apparently begun.