Bears HC candidate profile: Is Ben Johnson the sure-fire pick?

The Chicago Bears are searching for their next head coach, where general manager Ryan Poles will lead the charge in a wide-ranging search that will include up-and-coming coordinators, former head coaches and even a current head coach.

As the coaching carousel begins to take its spins around the league, there have been many names being connected to the Bears, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is considered a top candidate in this cycle. There's mutual interest between Chicago and Johnson, who reportedly was interested in the job last year, had it come open.

With Johnson slated to interview with Chicago, here's an in-depth look at Johnson and what he could potentially bring to the Bears as their next head coach.

Background

• Current Job: Offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions (2022-present)

• Age: 38

• Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

• College: North Carolina

Experience

• Offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions (2022–present)

• Passing game coordinator, Detroit Lions (2021)

• Tight ends coach, Detroit Lions (2020–2021)

• Offensive quality control coach, Detroit Lions (2019)

• Wide receivers coach, Miami Dolphins (2018)

• Assistant wide receivers coach, Miami Dolphins (2016–2017)

• Tight ends coach, Miami Dolphins (2015)

• Assistant quarterbacks coach, Miami Dolphins (2013–2015)

• Offensive assistant, Miami Dolphins (2012)

• Tight ends coach, Boston College (2011)

• Graduate assistant, Boston College (2009–2010)

Fit with Bears

Johnson is the most obvious fit for Chicago in this coaching cycle. The Bears have historically not been an offensive powerhouse, as they're a franchise known for their dominant defenses, struggling offenses and lack of efficient quarterback play. In fact, Chicago's offense has been downright dismal for the past couple of decades, as they've lacked a star quarterback. But it looks like they've found that in Caleb Williams, who is the biggest draw for Johnson with this coaching vacancy.

Johnson's resume speaks for itself. In three years as the Lions offensive coordinator, he's taken an underperforming Jared Goff and turned him into one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Detroit's offense has been one of the best in the NFL over the past two seasons, including this season where they're averaging 33.2 points per game (1st), 409.5 yards per game (2nd), 6.2 yards per play (3rd), 263.2 passing yards per game (2nd) and 146.4 rushing yards per game (6th).

There's been plenty of discussion about Johnson's interest in this job, spearheaded by Williams, who he saw up close twice this season. Johnson has praised Williams and his potential, and Williams has shared praise about Johnson and how he's learned simply from watching his offense operate. This certainly feels like an ideal pairing between Johnson and Williams. But will the Bears make it happen?

They said it...

"Obviously, even watching last night (in a win vs. the Vikings) knowing kind of what they've going to be in certain situations and being able to go out there and execute and engineer. ...I think he's been really cool to watch. During our game, I would sit back and watch and try and learn something. It was fascinating to watch because he always, like I said, he had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game. I think he's obviously done really well. It'd be cool to see how that all goes down." -- Bears QB Caleb Williams on Ben Johnson

Bottom line

Johnson appears to be the favorite to be the Bears' next head coach, which has everything to do with the development of Williams. This certainly feels like the obvious move, which is why so many fans expect general manager Ryan Poles to mess this up.

Johnson could very well be the next Kyle Shanahan or Kevin O'Connell, so the Bears need to do their due diligence with Johnson, who is being quite selective in this process. So the fact that Johnson is even taking the interview means that this is a job that he wants.

But the question remains whether the Bears view him as head coach material. Unlike some of the other candidates they've requested interviews with, Johnson doesn't have experience in a head coach role, which will be a question mark. There's no doubt that Johnson will have a significantly positive impact on Williams and this offense, especially after looking at what he's done in Detroit. Now, it's about determining whether Johnson has what it takes to also lead this team.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC candidate profile: Is Ben Johnson the sure-fire pick?