The Chicago Bears lost on a walk-off Hail Mary to the Washington Commanders to drop to 4-3. Matt Eberflus has a lot of pressure to win with Caleb Williams after they kept him around in favor of fan favorite Justin Fields. If he does not get the Bears back on track, he could be fired.
After the loss, FanSided’s Mark Powell listed potential options to replace Eberflus. He named Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as a potential fit.
“First on the charts is another Bears rival, and a damn good one,” wrote Powell. “Ben Johnson’s been involved in the coaching cycle for two straight offseasons. He was very nearly the head coach of the Washington Commanders, but pivoted at the last moment, claiming he had unfinished business in Detroit.”
Johnson and the Lions have had one of the National Football League’s most electric offenses in 2023. He has picked up right where he left off in 2024. The Bears need an offensive mind that can make life easier for Caleb Williams.
“And what better opportunity than Chicago? Johnson would get to coach in a division he’s familiar with, hire his own staff – and perhaps poach from the Lions – all the while molding Williams into one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL,” wrote Powell. “I don’t see a problem here, at least from Johnson’s perspective.”
Johnson would not be leaving on a sour note. After he came back for a victory lap with Detroit, he would not be singing with a division rival out of spite. However, staying in the NFC North would make for some fun matchups between the Lions and Bears.
“The Bears would obviously be thrilled, as Johnson is one of the most creative offensive minds in the NFL,” wrote Powell.
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