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Report: Bears hiring Ben Johnson as head coach
The Bears are reportedly finalizing a deal with Ben Johnson.
CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, as the team's next head coach, according to multiple reports.
Tom Pelissero, of NFL Media, reported that Johnson is set to fly to Chicago soon and that the parameters of a contract are in place.
ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported that Johnson is assembling a "star-studded" coaching staff with former Saints head coach Dennis Allen as a top candidate to become the Bears defensive coordinator.
Bears' top head coach target
What we know:
Johnson, 38, was regarded as one of the top coaching prospects seeking a head coaching job.
He was elevated to offensive coordinator in Detroit in 2022, a year after earning a promotion to passing game coordinator after Anthony Lynn was fired in 2021.
The Bears interviewed Johnson on Jan. 11. He interviewed with multiple other teams.
The hiring comes after the Lions lost to the Washington Commanders over the weekend in the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs for a chance to go to the conference championship game.
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How quickly did the Bears move to get Ben Johnson?
Tina talks with Kevin Fishbain from The Athletic about how the Bears were able to get Ben Johnson.
Detroit went 15-2 this season and earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs behind an offense that ranked second in total yards and first in scoring.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams spoke highly of Johnson earlier this month after losing both season matchups against the division rival.
Hope for offensive revival
The backstory:
The move comes after a season in which the Bears fired Matt Eberflus last November following a disastrous late-game loss against Johnson's Lions on Thanksgiving. Eberflus was the first head coach in franchise history fired in the middle of the season.
The firing came in the middle of a 10-game losing streak. The Bears also lost on Dec. 22 in a blowout at home to the Lions 34-17.
While Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Bears, showed flashes of talent during his rookie campaign, the team finished 5-12 and last in the NFC North. The Bears also ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing and the offensive line allowed a league-high 68 sacks.
Still, Williams passed for more than 3,500 yards, the fifth-highest single-season mark in franchise history, and tossed 20 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
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Bears fans react to news of new head coach
Bears fans are largely celebrating and expressing optimism for next season.
What we don't know:
It was unclear exactly what the terms of the deal were. The Bears have not confirmed the signing as of Monday afternoon.