Ben Johnson’s Coaching Future: The Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions’ Dilemma

For months, rumors have swirled about the Chicago Bears being interested in Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. While it’s always seemed like something Johnson wouldn’t seriously consider, recent comments from Bears owner George McCaskey may have just sealed the deal for Detroit. If McCaskey’s words didn’t make it clear, it’s almost as if he sent Johnson a text saying, “Just stay in Detroit.”

Chicago Bears’ Coaching Search: A Missed Opportunity?

For those closely following Johnson’s career, it’s no secret that one of his top priorities in any head coaching opportunity was organizational alignment. This was the very reason McCaskey was asked about Johnson’s potential fit with the Bears. In a critical moment, McCaskey had an open chance to respond thoughtfully, but his answer missed the mark entirely. He fumbled the opportunity, and the response was a glaring misstep.

The Bears have reportedly scheduled a virtual interview with Johnson during the Lions’ bye week. However, with the lack of organizational alignment from McCaskey’s comments, it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson either bowed out of the interview or decided not to pursue a second meeting with the Bears. After all, when a potential head coach is looking for clear vision and alignment, and he gets a response like that, it sends a message.

The New England Patriots: The Real Challenge

As things stand, it seems like the Patriots might be the only real obstacle standing in the way of Johnson staying with Detroit. The Patriots have a long history of excellence under Bill Belichick, and while they reportedly have an interest in Mike Vrabel, Johnson is also firmly in the mix. The challenge for Johnson is clear: the allure of stepping into a leadership role with the Patriots is tempting, but his current situation with the Lions offers growth, stability, and continuity.

The question remains whether Johnson will make the leap to New England, a team that is in the midst of retooling. The Patriots have a solid foundation and ample resources to attract a top coach, and for Johnson, this could be the perfect opportunity to lead a new era.

What Does This Mean for the Detroit Lions?

For Detroit, the clock is ticking. The Lions have a promising future, and keeping Ben Johnson is crucial to their continued success. If Johnson decides to stay, it’s a massive win for the Lions. His offensive brilliance has transformed the team, and it’s clear that his leadership is invaluable.

With the Bears showing their lack of commitment to organizational alignment and the Patriots lurking, the next few weeks will be pivotal for both Johnson and the Lions. If Detroit can hold on to their offensive coordinator, it would be a major boost to their chances of sustaining their upward trajectory.

The Final Word: Stay or Go?

It’s clear that Ben Johnson is in high demand, but whether he stays with the Lions or decides to take on a new challenge will ultimately come down to what he values most. The Bears’ recent missteps have certainly made Detroit’s case stronger, but with the Patriots in the mix, the situation remains fluid. One thing is for sure—this offseason is shaping up to be an interesting one for the Lions, and they’ll need to act quickly to secure their future with one of the brightest offensive minds in the league.