NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson May Have Interest in Chicago Bears' Head Coach Job

The balance of power in the NFC North may shift drastically this offseason. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson may have interest in the Chicago Bears' recently vacated head coach job.

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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2024

The Bears fired Matt Eberflus earlier this week, the first in-season head coaching change in the franchise's 100+ year history. The move followed a particularly embarrassing end-of-game gaff in the Bears' 23-20 loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving. The Bears mishandled the clock following a sack, allowing time to expire on a pass attempt and negating any opportunity for a potential game-tying field goal attempt.

Johnson could be the hottest head coaching candidate on the market for the second year in a row. The 38-year-old is currently leading the Lions offense to an NFL-best 31.9 points per game. He's no one-year wonder, either. The Lions have fielded one of the most consistently successful and versatile offenses in the league ever since Johnson took over play-calling duties in 2022, with top-five finishes in points scored for three consecutive years.

The Bears need to do everything they can to turn their offense around, and Johnson could be the perfect candidate. 2024 first-overall pick Caleb Williams has disappointed in his rookie season, netting a hapless 4.9 yards per passing attempt due largely to the fact he has absorbed a league-high 49 sacks. No available head coaching candidate is better qualified than Johnson to turn around Williams' career.

The larger concern is whether or not the Bears can lure Johnson away from the Lions. Johnson was in high demand last offseason before ultimately deciding to stay in Detroit. Clearly, he's in no rush to leave the team that has brought him so much success and contentment. With Williams at quarterback, a slew of accomplished pass catchers, and a credible defense, the Bears certainly present an enticing opportunity for an up-and-coming coach. Whether or not it will be enough to pry Johnson away from the Lions remains to be seen.