Ben Johnson’s Leadership Questioned Amid Chicago Bears Head Coaching Links
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is at the center of one of the most intriguing NFL coaching rumors, as he is heavily linked to the Chicago Bears head coaching vacancy. Johnson reportedly had his eye on the Bears job last offseason, but the organization chose to retain Matt Eberflus to oversee the development of a rookie quarterback. That decision backfired when Eberflus was dismissed following a Thanksgiving loss to Johnson’s Lions.
This isn’t Johnson’s first time being considered for an NFL head coaching position. After the 2022 season, he interviewed for head coaching roles with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. He also pursued the Carolina Panthers job last year but withdrew from consideration for openings with the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. Despite his growing reputation as a top offensive mind, questions about his suitability to lead an NFL team have begun to surface.
Concerns About Johnson’s Interview Skills
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Johnson has struggled in past interviews for head coaching roles, which has led to doubts about his leadership capabilities. While Johnson claims to have learned from these experiences, his reported issues in interview settings raise concerns about whether he can effectively transition from being an offensive coordinator to a head coach.
Johnson’s struggles in interviews are particularly relevant for the Bears, as any head coach in Chicago must also navigate a challenging media environment. Chicago’s media is known for being relentless, and successfully handling this scrutiny requires strong communication skills—a potential red flag for Johnson given his history in interviews.
Fit as the Bears’ Head Coach
Johnson’s offensive expertise is undeniable. His ability to design and call plays could be a tremendous asset for Chicago, particularly in developing quarterback Caleb Williams, if the Bears draft him with their top pick. However, Graziano raises the broader concern about whether Johnson can succeed in the multifaceted role of head coach. As Graziano puts it, hiring the “hot coordinator of the moment” is always a gamble, as great play-callers don’t necessarily translate into effective leaders of an entire organization.
For the Bears, this is a critical decision. General Manager Ryan Poles has already made some questionable coaching hires, including retaining Eberflus and choosing Shane Waldron over Kliff Kingsbury. Waldron’s tenure lasted even fewer weeks than Eberflus’ ill-fated final season. These missteps raise legitimate concerns about Poles’ ability to accurately assess Johnson’s head coaching potential.
Johnson’s Appeal and the Bears’ Decision
Despite these concerns, Johnson’s success as an offensive coordinator and his familiarity with divisional rival Chicago make him an appealing candidate. His work with the Lions’ offense has been praised, and his tactical abilities could be exactly what the Bears need to turn around their struggling franchise. However, leadership and communication skills are just as critical for a head coach, and the Bears must carefully evaluate whether Johnson has grown enough to take on this demanding role.
The decision on Johnson will define the Bears’ immediate future. While his offensive prowess is enticing, the Bears’ front office must weigh that against his ability to manage the broader responsibilities of a head coach. For a franchise desperate for stability and direction, this hire cannot afford to be another misstep.
