The Chicago Bears have embarked on a significant roster overhaul under the leadership of first-year general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. Part of this rebuilding process involves seeking guidance from experienced coaches to establish a winning culture and foundation for long-term success.
Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as a key figure in the team's pursuit of former head coaches. Johnson's impressive performance in his first season as Chicago's play-caller, leading a high-octane offense that ranked among the top 10 in the NFL, has earned him a reputation as a rising star and a potential future head coach.
Johnson's pursuit of former head coaches is not solely driven by his successful track record as an offensive coordinator. He has also established strong relationships within the coaching community during his time in the NFL.
Johnson spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Detroit Lions, including three years under head coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell, a respected veteran coach with a history of developing young quarterbacks, is reportedly one of the candidates Johnson has reached out to.
Additionally, Johnson has maintained close ties with his former coaches at the University of Miami, including former head coach Mark Richt. Richt, a successful college coach who won a National Championship at Florida State, is another potential candidate to join the Bears' coaching staff.
Several high-profile former head coaches are reportedly on Johnson's radar, including Doug Pederson, Matt Rhule, and Brian Flores.
Doug Pederson: The former Philadelphia Eagles head coach won a Super Bowl in 2018. He parted ways with the Eagles in 2021 after a disappointing 2020 season, but he remains highly respected for his offensive acumen.
Matt Rhule: Rhule was fired by the Carolina Panthers after a disappointing start to the 2022 season. He previously spent three seasons as the head coach at Baylor, where he turned around a struggling program.
Brian Flores: Flores was fired by the Dolphins in 2021 after back-to-back winning seasons amidst allegations of racial discrimination. He is known for his strong defensive acumen and his ability to connect with players.
These former head coaches may be motivated to join the Bears for various reasons. They may view the opportunity as a chance to prove themselves once again after unsuccessful stints in their previous roles. They may also be attracted to the prospect of working with a promising young offensive coach like Johnson and helping to develop the Bears' quarterback, Justin Fields.
Bringing in an experienced former head coach as an assistant could provide several benefits for the Bears:
- Mentorship and Leadership: A former head coach can provide guidance and mentorship to Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff, helping to shape the team's identity and culture.
- Game Management and Strategy: An experienced coach can bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in game management and strategy, which can benefit the entire team, including the head coach.
- Player Development: Some former head coaches have a reputation for developing players, which could be crucial for the young Bears team with its many talented but unproven players.
However, there are also some potential risks associated with hiring a former head coach:
- Power Dynamics: If the former head coach has a strong personality, there could be potential for conflicts with the current head coach or other members of the staff.
- Egos and Ambitions: A former head coach may have ambitions to become a head coach again, which could create an awkward dynamic within the organization.
- Cost: Experienced coaches often come at a premium salary, which could strain the team's financial resources.
Ben Johnson's pursuit of former head coaches for the Chicago Bears rebuild is a strategic move that reflects the team's commitment to building a winning culture and developing its young players. While there are both potential benefits and risks associated with this approach, the Bears believe that the experience and wisdom of a former head coach can accelerate their progress toward becoming a competitive team.
The success of this strategy will ultimately depend on Johnson's ability to manage the potential power dynamics and egos involved, as well as the contributions that the former head coaches make to the team's development both on and off the field.
As the Bears continue their rebuilding process, the NFL world will be watching closely to see if Johnson's innovative approach to coaching and player development can help the team achieve long-term success.
