No NFL head-coaching candidate is being linked to another team in this cycle like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is to the Chicago Bears.
Johnson reportedly wanted the Bears job in the 2024 offseason. However, general manager Ryan Poles decided to give Matt Eberflus another crack at it with a rookie quarterback’s development hanging in the balance. The decision ultimately backfired as Eberflus was fired the day after Johnson’s Lions got the better of Chicago on Thanksgiving.
Johnson is not a rookie to head-coaching interviews. He interviewed for gigs with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts after the 2022 season. He interviewed with the Carolina Panthers last year and removed his name from consideration for the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks gigs.