Bears complete head coach interview with Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears have completed an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head coach vacancy, the team announced on Saturday. The Bears conducted a virtual interview with Johnson, as mandated by NFL rules during the first week of the postseason. All first-round interviews will take place virtually, as reported by The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Johnson was interviewed by a committee that included general manager Ryan Poles, president and CEO Kevin Warren, chairman George McCaskey, senior director of player personnel Jeff King, executive vice president of people and culture & chief human resources officer Liz Geist, and director of football administration Matt Feinstein.

Johnson is arguably the hottest name in this year's coaching cycle. He has turned the Lions into a top-five offense over the last two seasons, and quarterback Jared Goff is thriving in his system. Johnson has been with the Lions since the 2019 season, serving as the offensive quality control coach (2019), the tight ends coach (2020), and the passing game coordinator (2021) before being named offensive coordinator in the 2022 season. The 38-year-old is near the top of many wish lists for his ability to design effective offenses that feature numerous wrinkles.

Prior to his tenure in Detroit, Johnson was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-2018. There, he coached quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends under head coaches such as Joe Philbin and Adam Gase. That is also where he first worked with Dan Campbell, the current Lions head coach.

Johnson is the latest name to complete an interview. The Bears are also set to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears complete head coach interview with Ben Johnson