A Big Twist Has Surfaced In The Ben Johnson Sweepstakes

It isn't a secret by now that the Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson have mutual interest. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has eyed the job since last January, driven by the idea of working with likely #1 overall pick Caleb Williams. There are no indications that interest has died. The Bears are already hoping to line up an interview. It seems as if things are coming together. Unfortunately, nothing is ever simple with this team. There is still the issue of Ryan Poles.

The Bears GM is in serious trouble as his team is on a ten-game losing streak. He hired this coaching staff and put together this roster. Why should he keep his job when others won't? Any coach worth his salt would be hesitant to work with somebody who is clearly on a short leash. It seems that is the case with Johnson. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog provided a telling update. From what he understands, the Lions coordinator would prefer to work with a GM he knows.

Meanwhile, another name might be gaining traction inside Halas Hall.

The Ben Johnson decision may come down to interviews.

If he nails the process, it could force Kevin Warren's hand, choosing to fire Poles in an effort to get the right coach. One can safely assume the GM might be pushing for Coen since he wouldn't have any issues working with him. Chicago met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator in January for their own OC position before giving it to Shane Waldron. Coen somehow improved on what Dave Canales managed last year, producing the #3 offense in the NFL despite Mike Evans and Chris Godwin missing significant time with injuries. Baker Mayfield set a new career high with 34 touchdown passes and will likely cross 4,000 yards this weekend.

The problem with Coen is his lack of experience. He's only been a coordinator for two years at the NFL level, and one of them didn't involve him calling plays. Two others were spent in college with Kentucky. It is hard to know how much of his success comes from being unfamiliar to pro defenses and having a solid veteran quarterback to work with. He just doesn't have the same reputation as Ben Johnson does. It would be so like the Bears to compromise at head coach because they want to keep the GM they have.