Lions' Ben Johnson, Commanders' Kliff Kingsbury, Bills' Joe Brady emerge as early favorites for Bears coach
The Bears likely won't start interviewing candidates for their head-coaching vacancy until after the season ends in January, but there's no doubt they're making calls to gauge interest already. Two obvious contenders are offensive coordinators Ben Johnson of the Lions and Kliff Kingsbury of the Commanders, and one sportsbook has Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady as the leader.
Johnson was the most in-demand coach this year, but chose to return to the Lions, saying he wanted to be sure he was taking the right opportunity when he left. ESPN's Adam Schefter said Sunday that Johnson "might have some interest in [the Bears'] job."
Sunday headlines: pic.twitter.com/iYmm6rxycc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2024
Kingsbury, meanwhile, has history working with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at USC last season and interviewed with the Bears in January for offensive coordinator, but they passed on him in favor of Shane Waldron. The Bears fired Waldron after nine games, and Kingsbury has the Commanders fifth in the NFL in scoring at 27.8 points per game with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Despite bypassing Kingsbury, a source said his work with Williams went well and he was impressive in his interview with the Bears. Kingsbury was head coach of the Cardinals from 2018 through '22.
Bovada, an online sports gambling venue, listed Brady as the favorite, followed by Johnson and Bears interim coach Thomas Brown.
CBS reported Sunday the Bears are seeking a "leader of men" in the wake of players bailing on Eberflus' approach and personality and want a coach who will "resemble the attributes of what Chicago stands for."