The Chicago Bears have found their next head coach.
Ben Johnson will get his first stint as the main guy in charge, and the Bears were perhaps the biggest winner of the coaching musical chairs game this offseason.
Johnson was the most coveted assistant coach among all head coaching candidates in this cycle.
That’s why he had pretty much all the leverage in negotiation, and as such, he got to handpick his next destination.
With that in mind, NFL insider Jordan Schultz dismissed rumors that he was close to taking the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching position.
“The idea that Ben Johnson was going to the Raiders and that he was the favorite there was never, ever the case. Chicago was always his number one destination.”@Schultz_Report on the Bears new head coach: pic.twitter.com/lhRFversrh
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) February 2, 2025
Talking on The Ross Tucker podcast, Schultz reported that Johnson always had his sight set on the Bears’ head coaching gig.
That makes perfect sense, as the Bears’ roster is much more talented and figures to be in a better position to compete right now.
They have the most important piece, which is the young quarterback to develop and build around.
Johnson’s time with the Detroit Lions also gave him an in-depth understanding of the NFC North Division and its dynamics, so he was already familiar with the Bears and their primary foes.
The Raiders also have a great head coach in Pete Carroll, and he should be able to straighten the course of the ship and revamp their defense.
As for Johnson, it’ll be interesting to see what he can accomplish with Caleb Williams and his offensive creativity, provided the Bears address their glaring need for an improved offensive line.
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