Ryan Poles And Bears Bracing To Lose Top Front Office Member
As predicted, the Chicago Bears earned a much-needed win in the eyes of the NFL community by hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach.
A poll of anonymous executives from The Athletic lists Johnson as the second-most-liked hire of the offseason behind only New England’s Mike Vrabel.
(Interestingly, Vrabel and Johnson were the only two serious candidates the Patriots interviewed, though Vrabel was their top choice.)
On top of that, an SB Nation compilation also puts Johnson second on a list of head coaches most likely to succeed in their new positions, just ahead of Vrabel and the Patriots. For reasons best explained by them, incoming Jaguars coach Liam Coen occupies the top spot. (Until proven otherwise, Jags gonna Jag.)
Johnson’s high ranking, the writers point out, is largely due to the Bears’ preexisting talent, led by former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, and a roster whose potential was untapped by head coach Matt Eberflus.
“With first-overall selection Caleb Williams coming in at quarterback, and Ryan Poles adding Rome Odunze a few selections later, the Bears added a wealth of young talent on the offensive side of the football. Making those updates to a roster that finished 7-10 — and won four of their final six games — had some thinking Chicago could make a surprise playoff push in 2024,” the authors explained.
“Of course, that did not materialize. The Bears lost ten straight games, kicked off by a stunning loss on the game’s final play against the Washington Commanders, and head coach Matt Eberflus was fired before Thanksgiving.
Now, the Bears turn to Ben Johnson, the hottest name on the head coach hiring market the past two offseasons. If Johnson can get the most out of Williams, the Bears could be dangerous this season.”
As hypothetical as those hopes are, one need only look at what Johnson accomplished with Jared Goff and the Lions offensively the last three years to see the vision for what can be with Williams, who is among the most purely talented QBs in the NFL already.
With most of the skill positions returning next season and some expected additions to the offensive line, the Bears could swiftly find the formula they believed they had last season.
On paper, they nailed the biggest need they had: getting Johnson in the building. Let’s see what he cooks up.
