Over the past week, it felt as if the idea of Ben Johnson coming to the Chicago Bears was cooling. This was largely due to the expected presence of a more enticing landing spot: the Jacksonville Jaguars. Everybody around the NFL assumed the organization was set to fire head coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke. This was important because it is believed Johnson would prefer to pair with a GM he’s familiar with. Black Monday arrived, and the prediction came true.
Or at least half of it did.
In a stunning move that has completely blindsided the entire NFL, the Jaguars elected to fire Pederson but keep Baalke. This completely changes the landscape for their coaching search, especially where Johnson is involved. At the very least, it puts the Bears on an even playing field with them. They’ve already put in an interview request for the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Expectations are that he will accept it. If this comes down to deciding to work with Baalke or Ryan Poles, Chicago may have the edge.
For starters, head coaches seem to get fired under his watch. Jim Harbaugh, Jim Tomsula, and Chip Kelly found that out in San Francisco. Now, Urban Meyer and Pederson have experienced the same. He also doesn’t exactly have a stellar draft track record. Since taking over in 2021, Jacksonville has drafted only one Pro Bowler under him. That was Trevor Lawrence. Baalke also has a reputation for backstage politics. His feud with Harbaugh was legendary. There is no way Johnson should have any interest in walking into that situation.
That means the ball is in Chicago’s court. Presuming they keep Poles as expected, all they have to do is make a strong enough pitch in their first interview together that such a partnership can work. There are whispers Ben Johnson is at least open to hearing them out. If good impressions are made on both sides, things could come together quickly. It is apparent the 39-year-old is interested in the Bears job. He just needs some assurance that management will align with his vision.
