“Gut feeling” Ben Johnson pointed to the Bears

During a five-hour trip from PFT headquarters to the City of Brotherly Love, I worked the phones in search of the latest information on the ongoing coaching carousel.

From the perspective of soon-to-be new Bears coach Ben Johnson (details are currently being finalized, we’re told), the process was wrapping up “phase one.” After Saturday’s surprising loss to the Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs, Johnson’s agent, Rick Smith, prepared the information about the three interested teams for a presentation to be made to Johnson after the conclusion of his duties with the Lions on Sunday.

When word broke Sunday that the Raiders were interviewing Commanders GM and former Lions executive Lance Newmark (the man many had pegged as Johnson’s handpicked GM pick), a source with knowledge of the situation played down the situation, citing “a lot of moving share.”

The parts moved quickly. We’re told that at the end of the day, it was a “gut feeling” for Johnson. On the surface, it’s a head scratcher. But the reality is that all gut feelings emerge once the options are known and relevant factors (like money, and the over/under is $14.5 million per year, quarterback situation and overall roster quality) are evaluated.

It’s like sitting in a restaurant and looking at a menu. You look at the options, consider them and choose one.

Johnson will not get his own GM. He also does not get control of the staff. (“It’s really their show,” the source said of the Bears.)

So how does Johnson get the front office “fit” he craved? An offer that blows the basket for first-time coaches sends a strong message – especially since if it doesn’t work out there will be a significant buyout.

Again, the over/under is $14.5 million per year. Don’t be surprised if it’s over.