Charlie Campbell of Walter Football is known mainly for his draft insider work. However, he dropped a bombshell of coaching news when he revealed that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was trying to steer the team away from making Ben Johnson the next head coach. It was believed he fears the possibility that the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator may want to push him out as general manager in hopes of bringing in somebody he’s more familiar with. Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado corroborated this to a degree as well.
However, somebody closer to the team is hearing differently. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog has demonstrated accurate sources regarding this organization for several years. When he posts something, it can be taken as credible. That is why his latest information on the Johnson situation was eye-opening.
Ben Johnson is going to be the top choice. But Johnson is going to bring baggage to the interview process, including demands in the personnel department. Will the Bears view him worthy of those concessions?
One source told me that Ryan Poles covets Johnson, while others in the building (Warren, especially) are looking for established program builders.
Hughes explained even further on Twitter a few hours later, stating that Johnson is excited about working with Caleb Williams. Poles is a big fan of the young coordinator.
That has been hinted at multiple times. However, nothing will be committed until the two get a chance to meet. Johnson has his first interview with the Bears on Saturday. That will be Poles first opportunity to make a positive impression the young coach. It is believed if the two hit it off, things could come together quickly. Johnson would get the head coaching job, and Poles would get an extension. As always, the situation is fluid. The young coach has a reputation for struggling in interviews with other teams last year. It will be interesting to see if he’s learned anything.
One thing is clear: If Poles is determined to get his guy, he will have a well-prepared pitch. Say what you will about the Bears GM, but he’s never afraid to put in the work. Ben Johnson likely has ideas about how he wants his team to be structured, including the particular types of players he has in mind. Will Poles be willing to meet his requirements, or will it be a constant battle over how the roster should be constructed? It happens more than you think in the NFL. Johnson wants to avoid it. Poles must ease his fears.
