Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the hottest name in NFL head-coaching circles this offseason, but his meteoric rise comes with serious question marks. Once the dream candidate for Chicago Bears fans, whispers of Johnson’s struggles in interviews and concerns about his readiness to lead a franchise are casting doubt on his potential move to the Windy City.
The buzz around Johnson’s connection to the Bears is louder than ever. After Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a Thanksgiving Day defeat to Johnson’s Lions, the 38-year-old coordinator seemed destined for the role. But beneath the surface, troubling signs are emerging about his ability to transition from offensive mastermind to the ultimate team leader.
The Interview Problem: A Coach Who Can’t Sell Himself?
According to insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN, Johnson’s past interviews for head-coaching jobs have left much to be desired. Despite interest from teams like the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers, Johnson has yet to secure a top job. The issue? His ability to handle interviews.
“Yes, the whispers about him struggling in certain interview settings in the past are there,” Fowler reported. “But Johnson says he has learned from the experience.”
Learning from experience is one thing, but being able to face the relentless Chicago media is another beast entirely. For a coach stepping into the intense spotlight of the NFL’s third-largest media market, poor communication skills could be a fatal flaw.
Does Genius on the Field Translate to Leadership Off It?
While Johnson’s offensive schemes have dazzled in Detroit, critics wonder if his tactical brilliance can translate to the all-encompassing demands of head coaching. Graziano captured this concern perfectly:
“No question about it, Johnson would be a huge help for Williams as an offensive play-caller and play designer. But the question… is what kind of head coach he will be.”
Transitioning from coordinator to head coach requires a shift in focus. It’s no longer about perfecting offensive play calls—it’s about motivating an entire roster, managing the press, and making game-changing decisions under immense pressure.
The Bears’ Front Office: A Track Record of Missteps
As if Johnson’s challenges weren’t enough, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of Bears GM Ryan Poles—a man whose track record hardly inspires confidence. Poles’ decision to stick with Eberflus heading into the 2024 season backfired spectacularly, leading to Chicago’s second midseason firing in as many years. And his previous coaching hires? Hardly inspiring.
Poles passed on Kliff Kingsbury for Shane Waldron, only to see Waldron last mere weeks as head coach. This history of questionable decisions raises an even bigger question: Can the Bears’ front office accurately evaluate whether Johnson is the right man for the job?
Boom or Bust: Is Ben Johnson the Right Fit for Chicago?
Despite the red flags, Johnson’s offensive genius remains undeniable. For a franchise desperate to groom a rookie quarterback and reignite a sputtering offense, he offers tantalizing potential. But with his shaky interview record and the glaring concerns about his leadership style, Johnson’s fate as the next Bears head coach is anything but guaranteed.
The Bears face a critical crossroads. If Poles and the front office get it right, Johnson could be the architect of Chicago’s next great team. If they get it wrong, it’s another lost season—and another coaching carousel—for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.