ESPN.com · Feb 3, 2025
Inside the Bears hiring of coach Ben Johnson
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LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- On Sunday, Jan. 19, the day after the Detroit Lions' surprising playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, the Chicago Bears discussed whether to fly their hiring committee to Michigan to show Ben Johnson how badly they wanted him to be their head coach, according to a team source.
Johnson, the Lions' offensive coordinator since 2022 and a top candidate for three straight coaching cycles, had gone dark after interviewing virtually with the Bears on Jan. 11 during Detroit's first-round bye. League rules prevented Chicago and other teams from meeting with Johnson for a second interview until Jan. 20, two days after Detroit's season ended.
