On the final Sunday of the 2024 NFL regular season, the coaching carousel is spinning fast, and the Chicago Bears are one of the teams making headlines. The organization is searching for its fifth head coach since 2012 following the firing of Matt Eberflus, with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel being the frontrunners.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Bears' coaching search has been focused on these two candidates, who represent distinct styles and philosophies. Johnson, now leading the Lions' potent offense, has garnered attention for his offensive acumen, particularly after helping his team reach the NFC Championship Game last season. Vrabel, on the other hand, brings extensive head coaching experience after leading the Titans to three playoff appearances during his six-year tenure, boasting a record of 54-45.
General manager Ryan Poles has made it clear the Bears are taking their time with this decision, stating, "He will get an interview, and I'm excited to hear his thoughts" when discussing current interim head coach Thomas Brown, who continues to fill the void left by Eberflus.
Jones pointed out the tough decision facing the Bears: "If you're all-in on Vrabel, you won't be all-in on Ben, and vice versa." This statement reflects the divergent paths the franchise could take; should they lean toward Vrabel's defensive orientation or Johnson's offensive innovation? The Bears must weigh the long-term prospects of their newly acquired franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, the first overall pick of the 2024 draft.
Johnson's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Having joined the Lions as offensive quality control coach back in 2019, his efforts have transformed the Detroit offense, which is leading the league with 33.3 points per game this season. Yet, Johnson's future is uncertain; he is reportedly interested but cautious about where he might land, having turned down interviews previously and opting to serve another year with the Lions.
Pro Football Talk has noted Johnson's deep appreciation for his current role, emphasizing, "Johnson seems to have the self-awareness to realize it's farbetter to be the offensive coordinator of a juggernaut than the head coach of a struggling team." This perspective has kept him grounded, and insiders speculate he may choose to remain with the Lions rather than risk stepping onto shaky ground with the Bears or any other struggling franchise seeking new leadership.
Meanwhile, Vrabel stands out as the more traditional choice for head coach. His experience and success could provide immediate stability for the Bears, who have struggled to find consistency for over a decade. The former linebacker has proved capable of maximizing resources, evident from his ability to guide the Titans to meaningful playoff positions with varying talent levels.
With the anticipation of Black Monday—when many teams announce coaching changes—the pressure is mounting for the Bears to finalize their search. With two highly sought-after candidates like Johnson and Vrabel, their decision could have significant ramifications on the team's direction for years to come. A thoughtful approach is necessary, as Poles emphasized the need for strong leadership: "A head coach candidate needs plans for Caleb Williams and game management." This highlights the Bears' commitment to cultivating Williams' potential and ensuring he has the necessary guidance.
Johnson's potential departure would represent both excitement and risk for the Bears. If he were to move to Chicago, he’d face the pressure of resurrecting a franchise long desperate for greatness. Reports suggest Johnson is keeping his options open, especially as rumors swirl around other coaching positions opening up soon, like the Jacksonville Jaguars' job if Doug Pederson is let go. Johnson's deep connection to Detroit and his successful tenure there make his decision all the more complicated.
On the flip side, should they pursue Vrabel, the Bears might gain proven leadership and strategies rooted firmly enough to rally the team toward success. He could be viewed as the candidate to transform the culture of the team, particularly if they are focusing on rebuilding from the ground up.
With coaching vacancies expected to double soon, time is of the essence for teams across the league. The hunt for Johnson and Vrabel demonstrates not just the value of good coaching, but the uncertain nature of coaching careers, especially when faced with the complexity of bringing the best out of young talents like Caleb Williams. Johnson’s future remains particularly unclear, and he may opt to stay with the Lions after their successful season. It would reflect the choice many coordinators face: take the risk of leading a struggling or mediocre franchise or enjoy the fruits of current success and stability.
Whatever direction the Bears choose, the impact of these decisions will resonate throughout the organization. The upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal as these coaches must weigh what's best for their careers along with what it means for the Chicago Bears.