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The Chicago Bears are reportedly "finalizing a deal to hire" Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Monday (January 20).
"A new day in Chicago: The #Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, per sources. Johnson is set to fly there soon and contract parameters are in place. Barring a last-minute snag, the #Lions OC lands with an NFC North rival," Pelissero wrote on his X account.
The move will pair Johnson, heralded as one of the rising offensive coaches in football, with a Bears offensive that includes quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and wide receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson has reportedly already explored coaching staff options and former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is expected to be a top candidate for the Bears' defensive coordinator position, according to Pelissero.
"As reported Sunday on @NFLGameDay: Ben Johnson has already been lining up staff and former #Saints head coach Dennis Allen is a prime candidate to be Johnson's defensive coordinator in Chicago," Pelissero wrote.
Johnson was also reportedly a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy but the "setup wasn't in line with what he was looking for in his first head coaching job," sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Athletic's Dianna Russini.
The Lions ranked first in scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and second in total offense (409.5 yards per game) among all 32 NFL teams in 2024. The Bears, who ranked last in total offense (284.6 yards per game) and 28th in scoring offense (18.2 points per game) fired former head coach Matt Eberflus and former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron at different points midway through the season.