Looking back at the 2024-25 NFL season, the Chicago Bears had quite an underwhelming season.
With some people believing the Bears could reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Chicago’s 5-12 record left a sour taste in fans’ mouths. The Bears have the roster but after firing former head coach Matt Eberflus and struggling with interim head coach Thomas Brown, Chicago is in desperate need of a quality coach.
Here are the candidates I believe would be the best fit for the job.
BEN JOHNSON
After amplifying the team’s offense, current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been an attractive coaching option since last offseason. In this offseason’s stacked coaching cycle, Johnson is my top candidate and who I believe the Bears should hire.
The Bears completed a virtual interview with Johnson on Saturday.
This season, Johnson has led the Lions to being first in the NFL in total points, first in points per game and second in the league in yards per game. The efficiency has allowed the Lions to reach the NFC’s No. 1 seed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Johnson helped Detroit take over the league with his creativity in crafting trick plays such as the hook-and-ladder the Lions ran against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30.
As the Bears passed on an offensive-minded coach when they hired Eberflus, it is evident that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams would benefit greatly from an offensive mind to drive his development. I believe that Johnson is the right guy for the job.
AARON GLENN
Similarly to his offensive counterpart, Detroit’s defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is another candidate that will get a chance at a head coaching job this offseason. The Bears announced Saturday they completed an interview with Glenn.
After coordinating the Lion’s defense for the last four seasons, the group has played at a high level under Glenn – this season included. Despite losing their best defensive player – defensive end Aidan Hutchinson – the Lions remain as a top defensive unit in the league.
Under Glenn the Lions’ secondary have given up the second-least touchdowns this season, sacrificing only 18. Moreso, Detroit has held opposing quarterbacks to an average passer rating of 82 – the lowest in the league.
In terms of Detroit’s rushing defense, this season, the Lions have given up the fifth-least rushing yards.
Although he is not an offensive mind, if Glenn brought in the proper coaching staff, he could see success in Chicago.
PETE CARROLL
Former Seattle Seahawks head coach and current Seahawks advisor Pete Carroll is the most experienced candidate, as well as the only candidate with a Super Bowl ring. The Bears completed their interview with Carroll on Jan. 9.
After coaching the Seahawks for 14 seasons, Carroll racked up an all time record of 170-120-1 in the NFL. In his last season, Carroll led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record.
I am not a fan of Carroll as a coaching option, but I believe he would be more successful than Eberflus was and his experience could be beneficial. Let’s not forget, Carroll is the guy who helped guide former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson into stardom.
Similarly to Glenn, Carroll would have to hire the correct coordinators which is partly why I am not a fan of him as a candidate. Also, Carroll is aging and does not seem like a viable option long term.