The consensus amongst Bears fans is Ben Johnson is the top option for the next head coach. However, history suggests the Bears rarely make the obvious choice. To make matters worse, it seems other teams could swoop in and snatch Johnson before Chicago even has a chance.
Bears Fans Should Be Terrified With New News on Ben Johnson
Facing Troubling News
NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have released updates that should worry Bears fans. While there’s been mutual interest between Ben Johnson and the Bears, it’s far from a guarantee he’ll land in Chicago.
According to their recent ESPN report, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be a major contender for Johnson if they decide to part ways with Doug Pederson. The report laid out compelling reasons why Jacksonville might appeal to Johnson:
“Also, the Bears haven’t had success since the Truman administration. Even at its most attractive, the Bears job isn’t typically one that offensive masterminds point to and say, ‘We will score 40 points per game there.’ And that division is a beast, as the Bears’ three NFC North opponents have a combined 39-9 record this season. So perhaps Jacksonville—with a weaker division, a talented roster, no state income tax, small-market scrutiny, and great weather—is the best option.”
It’s true. If Johnson were to become the Bears’ next head coach, he’d be in a division that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Plus, the Bears’ tumultuous history of mediocrity and intense scrutiny is hard to ignore.
Another Huge Roadblock for the Bears Acquiring Ben Johnson
Another challenge in securing Johnson might involve Bears GM Ryan Poles. According to Walter Football analyst Charlie Campbell, some sources suggest Johnson would only take the job if Poles were removed. While the credibility of this claim is uncertain, what is certain is Johnson values alignment between the general manager and head coach.
And by the way Poles has built this team, it doesn’t look like there’ll be alignment between the two. It’s not a secret Poles is on the hot seat, and it’s not a secret Johnson would prefer to have his pick for general manager.
Potential Sleeper Team in the Mix for Ben Johnson
It’s not just the Jaguars that could be a legitimate contender for Ben Johnson. According to Fowler, Johnson could set his sights on the New England Patriots if they were to move on from Jerod Mayo.
The Patriots are in a similar position that the Bears were in not too long ago. Likely ending up with the first overall pick and already having a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, there’s room to grow in a place where winning is the standard. The question is whether the Patriots will fire Mayo.
Bears Fans on Edge
What’s scary is if Johnson were to go elsewhere, the Bears seem like the type of franchise to ignore the trend and hire a defensive coach. If they do, they’ll have to nail the offensive coordinator hire. And guess what? If that happens, he’ll likely become a head coach elsewhere, and the Bears will be back to square one.
As much as Bears fans would like to be optimistic, the reality is the Bears never seem to get anything right. Let’s hope that starts to change this offseason.
Main Image: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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