Lions OC Ben Johnson ‘deeply considering’ Bears’ HC position?

Ben Johnson is free to meet in person with interested teams, something he could do on several occasions over the coming days. The in-demand Lions offensive coordinator is known to be a key target for the Raiders, Jaguars and Bears.

Vegas is expected to produce an at-large offer — something the team won’t have to wait for now that the Lions’ season is over — but Jacksonville and Chicago, of course, are still in the mix until Johnson makes a final call. Reports last week indicated the 38-year-old is interested in Jacksonville’s opening. The same is apparently true of Chicago.

Johnson is believed to be “deeply considering” the Bears’ head coaching position, Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports. He was among the first candidates to complete an initial (virtual) interview with Chicago’s search committee, though of course several other interested teams did as well. Still, it comes as no surprise that the Bears’ extensive search isn’t over with Johnson still on the market.

On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted he expects both Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to find one of the six current head coaching positions around the league. However, Johnson will move to schedule other interviews with teams Athletics’ Dianna Russini warns he’s not a lock to face all three teams. Those he clashes with in person can safely assume the high-profile HC candidate remains interested in an intangible commitment.

The Bears have been in pursuit of Johnson since the fall, and a December report suggested the three-year Lions OC was “interested” in the job. Johnson, 38, would be a strong choice to mentor Caleb Williams. Conversely, Williams — who is tied to a rookie contract through at least 2026, creating roster-building opportunities — should be a draw for contenders. The presence of the top pick in 2024 separates this job from the Jaguars and Raiders openings. Trevor Lawrence now has a deal of $55 MM per year without establishing himself as a surefire franchise-level passer, while the Raiders remain in search of an opportunity at the game’s leading position — and their two late-season wins dropped them to sixth in the draft.

Johnson remains tied to both of his AFC suitors. He may very well be the top pick for each of these three HC-needy franchises. With the Commanders knocking off the Lions in the divisional round, this will be an interesting week — from a long-term perspective — for the Bears, Jags and Raiders. The Bears made one last selling point Mike Vrabel before committing to the Patriots. Their last chance with Johnson appears to be coming soon.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post