Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Chicago Bears sent a formal request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson along with two other league coaches on Monday morning.
However, Johnson’s stock to become a head coach before the 2025 season appears to be falling. One decision appears to be of his own accord, Johnson will not interview with the New York Jets for their open position.
As one of the top offensive minds in the league, Johnson can afford to be picky with where he chooses to interview. Other NFL teams can be choosy too, as Johnson reportedly missed out on the Washington Commanders gig last year because he didn’t interview well.
Johnson would prefer to work with a general manager who aligns with his philosophy, and more importantly, a GM that isn’t on the hot seat.
The head coaching and general manager situation with the Jacksonville Jaguars was one to keep an eye on Monday morning. Johnson potentially going to the Jaguars was abuzz last week. But the Jaguars don’t appear to be making any necessary concessions to land Johnson.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are retaining GM Trent Baalke
Per a statement by Jacksonville Monday morning, owner Shad Khan fired head coach Doug Pederson but retained GM Trent Baalke.
“I strongly believe it is possible next season to restore the winning environment we had here not long ago,” the statement on X reads. “I will collaborate with General Manager Trent Baalke and others, within and close to our organization, to hire a leader who shares my ambition and is ready to seize the extraordinary opportunity we will offer in Jacksonville.”
A statement from Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. pic.twitter.com/jpNoeSfm81
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 6, 2025
Chicago Bears have more reason for skepticism about Ben Johnson
Baalke will return to Jacksonville in 2025 on the hot seat after a 25-43 record with the organization in four seasons. That’s not a situation Johnson would be inclined to flock to, at least based on multiple reports during the season.
One has to wonder why the Jaguars would retain Baalke if they knew Johnson had a serious interest in the job. Maybe NFL teams don’t trust Johnson to succeed as a head coach in the same way his agent, and the media, think he will.
The Jaguars’ decision to retain Baalke should give the Bears more reason to do due diligence on Johnson. The juice might not be worth the squeeze.
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