Since Matt Eberflus was fired after the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, and even before that as Ebeflus' job security started to become a question, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been easy to name as a top candidate for the Chicago Bears' head coaching job.
A report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer back in late-October said Johnson wanted the Bears' job a year ago, but Eberflus was retained instead. There's been growing sentiment Johnson would be interested in the job as the upcoming hiring cycle approaches, culminating in a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Sunday morning before the Lions played the Bears at Soldier Field.
"My understanding is Johnson is intrigued by the Bears' job, and he is going to be willing to listen", Pelissero said. "There's a lot to like in Chicago, with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources. Also a major market, they're expected to break ground on a new stadium next year."
Johnson went on to put together an exemplary in-person audition tape for the Bears during Sunday's game, as the Lions scored 34 points and put up 475 yards of offense in Detroit's 34-17 victory. A new trick play Johnson thought up was unveiled too, if he needed to bolster how appealing he should be to the Bears as they start to embark on a head coaching search.
No surprise Ben Johnson is expected to interview for Bears' job
As part of her wrap-up from Sunday's game, ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported Johnson is expected to interview for the Bears head coaching job.
"Sources confirmed to ESPN that Johnson, the Lions' offensive coordinator, is expected to interview for the Bears' head coaching vacancy. Detroit put up 400-plus yards of offense for a third time in four games and jumped out to an early 20-0 lead. Conversely, Johnson, who praised quarterback Caleb Williams for how the ball "whistles" when he throws it, got a good look at a strong performance from the rookie."
It'd be more surprising to see a report Johnson isn't expected to interview for the Bears' head coaching vacancy. We know, based on his words and other reports, that Johnson will be selective, intentional, etc. with head coaching jobs he interviews for, let alone takes. So Sunday's reporting, not coincidentally right before and right after the Lions' game against the Bears, lands as meaningful in terms of how much he likes the Bears' job. And that interest should be mutual.