Bears finalizing deal to hire Lions OC Ben Johnson as next head coach: source

The Bears are finalizing an agreement to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach.Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Bears have made their pick and are finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach, a source said. They interviewed at least 17 candidates in the process and had more on the list.

Johnson, 38, has been the top candidate the last three hiring cycles and was a clear priority for the Bears as they looked for an offensive-minded coach to pair with young quarterback Caleb Williams.

In Johnson’s three seasons as Lions offensive coordinator, the team finished ninth, eighth and first in scoring. The Lions went 15-2 this…