Reports: Chicago Bears finalizing deal to hire Ben Johnson
NFL coaching carousel's top candidate is heading to Chicago
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Monday that the Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson as the franchise’s next head coach.
Johnson was among the several candidates interviewed by the Bears this off season.
Terms of the prospective deal are unknown, but Schefter further reported that Dennis Allen, former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is the a leading candidate to join Johnson in Chicago as the defensive coordinator.
Johnson is one of the leading offensive minds in the NFL and this hiring cycle’s top head coaching candidate. In joining the Bears, he will be paired with the 2024 No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Caleb Williams, along with a skill player set that’s expected to include running back D’Andre Swift, tight end Cole Kmet and wide receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.
The Lions have been among the top offenses across the board for three years running under Johnson, a welcome addition on paper for a Bears team that was worst in the league this year in yards per game and second-worst in passing yards per game.
General Manager Ryan Poles and Johnson will now be tasked with building around and developing Williams. Despite the offensive tumult and overall dysfunction of the Bears, Williams produced a solid rookie season that saw him set NFL and team records in the process.
Most immediately, the pair will have to address the offensive line and pending free agency of guard Teven Jenkins, along with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. Chicago holds the No. 10 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, along with No. 39 (from Carolina), No. 41 and No. 72, but no picks beyond the fourth round.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
