Potential candidates for Bears offensive coordinator under Ben Johnson

A new era of Chicago Bears football is set to begin with the announcement that former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been hired as the team's next head coach. While Johnson won't be formally introduce until a press conference on Wednesday, the immediate conversation turns to what the coaching staff will look like for the first-time head coach.

Immediately after ESPN was first to report the news of Johnson's hiring, insider Adam Schefter shared news about the team's potential defensive coordinator, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen. The second report following the news of Johnson is that Darren Rizzi, who served as Saints interim head coach this season, was being looked at as a potential hire for special teams coach. With all reports happening to come out about the defense and special teams coordinator, there's been little conversation about Johnson's offensive coordinator, a considerably important decision.

The undeniable fact was the focal point of Johnson being hired was to grow and develop quarterback Caleb Williams, and while he's going to control the offense, his decision at coordinator is still important for the young quarterback. There hasn't been much talk about who the Bears are targeting, so here's a potential look at who could be the next offensive coordinator to align with Johnson and Williams to begin the 2025 season.

Hank Fraley, Lions offensive line coach

Fraley is the most notable coach on the Lions staff not named Johnson or defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Fraley actually has been receiving interest around the league, he's even set for a second interview with the Seattle Seahawks to be their offensive coordinator. After Chicago gave up a league-high 68 sacks, it would feel imperative that Johnson brings the offensive line coach with him, so they can build protection plans under the same system, and doing all they can to keep Williams upright.

Tanner Engstrand, Lions passing game coordinator

Just as Johnson once was, Engstrand is a rising name in the coaching circles of the NFL, and he should get a hard look from Detroit to replace Johnson. If not, Engstrand would be brought in with the idea of continuing Johnson's vision of developing Williams in the way that both the head coach and player feel works best for all sides. The Lions should not let Engstrand leave the building -- especially if Fraley gets hired elsewhere -- and the doors should be locked to keep Engstrand in place. There's going to certainly be a couple of coaches who depart Detroit with Johnson, and the offensive line coach and passing game coordinator should be atop the list to become the next offensive coordinator.

Thomas Brown, former Bears interim head coach/offensive coordinator

Despite Chicago interviewing 17 candidates for the head coaching job before signing Johnson, there will not be as long of a list for the offensive coordinator position. Before Bears fans write their angry e-mails, Brown has a familiarity and rapport with the locker room, he was embraced by many players even despite the losses they suffered when he was the interim head coach. His vocal leadership was accepted and appreciated, he was a tough nose coach that coached Williams hard, and if Johnson doesn't land a big target from Detroit to come with him, he may be interested in keeping around a familiar voice and face for Williams.

The Bears offense will be ran through Ben Johnson, and if Brown, who has been interviewing with other teams for their offensive coordinator position, is valued by the Bears, they'd keep him in the building. He was thrown into the fire last season and did not have tools for success. But if he got in line with Johnson's plan and system, the two could work potential wonders with Williams.

Honorable mentions: Davis Mills, Klint Kubiak, and Mike Kafka

All three of these coaches have either interviewed for head coaching or offensive coordinator positions around the league and could be hotter names in the next season or two. It could be a case of too soon for all of them, but it could also be a last resort to look at any of them.

The search and journey to fill the coordinator positions will be an interesting one to watch, from offensive, to defensive, and to special teams. Upon the announcement of Johnson's hiring it was said he had worked hard and quickly to put together a strong staff, and any of these names would be an excellent addition to what he looks to build upon in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Potential candidates for Bears offensive coordinator under Ben Johnson