It isn’t a secret that Ben Johnson is interested in the Chicago Bears coaching job. Every top insider in the NFL has hinted at it for weeks, from Albert Breer to Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero. Sunday was his last opportunity to make a statement on the field, and he sure didn’t disappoint. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator sliced through the Bears defense all afternoon, racking up 27 points in the first half alone. Yet the decisive moment, when it became clear Johnson was sending them a message, came early in the second half.
Jared Goff appeared ready to hand it off and stumbled after the snap. Running back Jamyr Gibbs fell to the ground as if to cover the ball. It turns out it was a fake, and Goff hit tight end Sam LaPorta for a wide-open score. It was beautifully executed. Just the right mixture of creativity and arrogance. That has characterized Johnson’s tenure for three years. It probably isn’t a coincidence he chose to break that play out at Soldier Field with Ryan Poles, Kevin Warre, and the McCaskeys watching.
There is no arguing it at this point. He’s been the best offensive coordinator in football for three years, and Detroit is a Super Bowl contender largely because of him. He’s 38 years old. What else do the Bears need to see? Yes, the interview process is a necessary part of things, but it feels like there isn’t much else they need to know. Unless Ben Johnson is a complete a**hole behind closed doors or makes unreasonable demands, he should be the next head coach of this team. It sure seems like he wants the job. That seems to be important criteria for this organization. Don’t overthink it. Make the call, shake his hand, and move along.
