The Bears have a new head coach, and it is the most coveted offensive mind on the market. Here are some notes.
- I spent a few days around Christmas with a high-ranking personnel man in the league. He was adamant about this marriage taking place THEN. I’ve seen some national writers deem this move a “surprise”, but it was certainly not a surprise to anyone I speak with routinely about the sport.
- As I said on the Irish Bears Show, Ryan Poles wanted Ben Johnson, and Ben Johnson is excited to work with Poles. But Johnson did have questions re: the structure of the organization, primarily Kevin Warren’s role in football operations. I’m told George McCaskey made it clear that football ops are not in Warren’s purview.
- Tom Brady complicated the deal. This is undeniable. He made a great argument for the Raiders job and Johnson certainly considered it.
- Mike McCarthy was the backup plan. The Bears flew him in specifically for that purpose, showing they were nervous about Brady’s influence. (Side note: how can the league be comfortable with one of their four most important broadcasters being this influential with a single franchise?)
- Expect this staff to come together quickly. I’m told Johnson had specific names during the Zoom call last week, and one of those names is Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator. But Johnson has said he wants as many former head coaches as possible in the building.
- I’ll be discussing the hiring further with my friends in Des Moines at 1:45 PM ET today, after I’ve had an opportunity to make a few calls on the situation.
- I would expect Johnson’s introductory press conference to be tomorrow, and I’ll be here to live blog that.