The Chicago Bears are eager to turn things around after a disappointing season that saw them finish 5-12 and led to the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus. To revitalize the franchise, they’ve turned to former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was hired on Monday. NFL insider Ari Meirov reported that, “The Bears are finalizing a deal that will make Lions OC Ben Johnson the franchise’s next head coach. Johnson finally takes a head coaching job — staying in the NFC North and teaming up with Caleb Williams.”
In a surprising twist to the typical NFL coaching cycle, it was noted that the Bears are hiring Johnson without having conducted an official in-person interview. A virtual meeting and behind-the-scenes conversations were deemed sufficient to finalize the deal. Meirov stated, “Johnson is now set to fly to Chicago to meet everyone and sign his contract.”
You don’t often see this in the NFL coaching cycle: The #Bears are hiring Ben Johnson without even having an official in-person interview. A virtual meeting and backchannel conversations with those close to Johnson was enough — and they sealed the deal today. Johnson is now set… https://t.co/5QdPTDoGmE
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 20, 2025
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on this unconventional hiring process. One pointed out, “That’s because he declined the job last year causing the Bears to hold onto Eberflus. This has been in the making since last offseason.” Another fan expressed skepticism, stating, “This is definitely the Bears way!! How do you hire a head coach without meeting him in person?? This is the McCaskeys!!! Josh McDaniels 2.0 incoming. Great OC but not a good HC!!!” Concerns over the lack of an interview were echoed by another fan: “He didn’t want to tour the facility & sit down with the people he’ll be working for? Maybe sit down with Caleb? Last year he cancels the in-person interviews at the last minute. This year he doesn’t even schedule them. I don’t understand the rush on either side.” Meanwhile, another fan commented on Johnson’s priorities, saying, “Ben was worried about his future instead of locking in on the Lions. Idk if I hate that or just respect it.” Nonetheless, someone remarked, “He was the obvious prized possession this cycle. No brainer decision.” It’ll be intriguing to see how this hire and its unusual process unfold.
