The Chicago Bears have a CVS receipt full of head coaching candidate names after “Black Monday.”
Two key names on the Bears’ list seem to be the team’s more likely options. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can interview with Chicago virtually this week, but cannot do in-person interviews until after the Lions are out of the playoffs. The Bears are treating Johnson differently than other candidates, asking him to provide a leadership plan instead of a QB plan.
Chicago Bears take next step with Mike Vrabel
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel appears to have the intangibles Bears players would like to have.
Per Doug Kyed with the Boston Herald, the Bears will interview Vrabel on Wednesday.
“The Bears will interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel tomorrow, per source,” Kyed posted on X.
The Bears will interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel tomorrow, per source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 7, 2025
Vrabel’s contract as an advisor with the Cleveland Browns ended before Week 18, meaning Chicago can interview him in person. Vrabel is a candidate for the New York Jets and New England Patriots, with many assuming he’s a lock to replace Jerod Mayo in New England.
A high-stakes virtual interview with Ben Johnson
The Bears might expedite the process of hiring Vrabel if he does well in Wednesday’s interview. If he’s their guy, they don’t have time to wait for Johnson to become available. At the earliest, Johnson could become available after the divisional round, at the latest, post-Super Bowl in February, should the shorthanded Lions defense take the team that far.
Vrabel could be hired by the Jets or Patriots as soon as they comply with the Rooney Rule.
Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Lions are granting teams Thursday-Saturday to interview Johnson (and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) virtually. Given the demand for Vrabel, that meeting might be high-stakes for Johnson and the Bears. Here’s hoping Johnson does better in this week’s interview than how he’s done in the past.
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