Ask most Chicago Bears fans who their preferred next head coach is; their answer would be the same. They want Ben Johnson. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has put together three years of glittering tape showcasing his ability as a play-caller. He's turned Jared Goff into an MVP candidate and has the Lions vying for their first-ever Super Bowl championship. It has been rumored for weeks that Johnson has interest in the Bears coaching job. That doesn't seem to have died away, but circumstances have changed.
It appears the young coach has certain conditions he's looking for that only specific teams can meet. According to Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron, there are only two in the running. Chicago is in play, but they aren't the favorites.
Certain factors have been mentioned for why Jacksonville has the advantage. They're a smaller market with less pressure. They sit in a weaker division and also present money incentives with no state income tax. However, the biggest selling point appears to be the chance to pair with a GM Johnson knows. The Jaguars are expected to fire Trent Baalke, and the replacement would have ties to the coach.
The Bears will have to either sway Ben Johnson or meet his criteria.
Right now, it appears as if the presence of GM Ryan Poles is the primary obstacle blocking the way. It still isn't clear if the Bears plan to keep him. His contract has only one year left and hasn't been extended yet. That likely must happen by this coming Monday. Retaining him would make Johnson leery of joining the team, given what happened with Matt Eberflus and the fact that the two are unfamiliar. Poles would need to make a strong impression in the interview, which is asking a lot considering what Jacksonville is offering.
On the other hand, if the Bears were to fire Poles, which Zimmerman still believes is possible, that could be the decisive move that swings Ben Johnson their way. It has been apparent for some time that he loves the idea of working with Caleb Williams. However, he doesn't feel the need to accept whatever setup the Bears have. He has enough leverage to demand a structure that offers more stability. We're about to find out how much Kevin Warren wants him in Chicago.
