The Chicago Bears have one big-name candidate they will talk to virtually on Saturday. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will have his first interview with the Bears.
Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel are considered the Bears’ top two candidates. However, Johnson cannot meet with Chicago in person until at least Jan. 20.
In the meantime, the Bears are talking to as many candidates as possible and gathering information about their top targets.
The Chicago Bears are set to interview with a former player/coach
Per Johnathan Jones with CBS Sports, the Bears are set to interview a former legend of the team. Chicago’s second-round draft pick in 1984, linebacker Ron Rivera, will interview for the head coaching job this weekend.
“Former Panthers and Commanders head coach Ron Rivera will interview this weekend for the Bears head coach position, source says,” Jones posted on X. “Rivera, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, played for the ’85 Bears and was the DC for their Super Bowl XLI run.”
Former Panthers and Commanders head coach Ron Rivera will interview this weekend for the Bears head coach position, source says. Rivera, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, played for the ’85 Bears and was the DC for their Super Bowl XLI run. pic.twitter.com/DUvGgwQuhR
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 11, 2025
Ron Rivera has been with Chicago several times in his career
© Green Bay Press-Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rivera played in Chicago through 1992, winning Super Bowl XX. He appeared in 137 games and started 56, recording 7.5 sacks, nine interceptions, and one touchdown. The native of Fort Ord, California, started his coaching career as a defensive quality control coach with the Bears in 1997.
He left to take the Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coaching job in 1999 but returned to Chicago to become the Bears defensive coordinator in 2004 under head coach Lovie Smith. Under Rivera, Chicago had an awesome defense that would come up short to the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI.
The Bears failed to negotiate an extension with Rivera after the 2006 season, and he joined the Los Angeles Chargers. Rivera has had two head coaching stints, making Super Bowl 50 with the Carolina Panthers but losing to the Denver Broncos.
At 63, Rivera is 102-103 as a head coach with the Panthers and Washington Football Team/Commanders. He’s 3-5 in the postseason.
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