The Chicago Bears are actively seeking a new head coach to guide rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the roster. This search comes after a challenging season marked by a
4-11 record and the midseason firing of head coach Matt Eberflus. With the team struggling to meet expectations, attention has shifted to
candidates who can develop Williams, the former USC Trojans star, into a franchise cornerstone.
One of the leading candidates is Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Known for his offensive acumen, Kingsbury has been linked to the Bears’ job, with
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that NFL insiders “fully expect” him to be interviewed. Kingsbury, who worked with Williams briefly at USC as a senior offensive analyst under Trojans head
coach Lincoln Riley, has had significant success this season. He has played a pivotal role in the development of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is the favorite to win Offensive
Rookie of the Year. Under Kingsbury’s guidance, the Commanders have achieved a 10-5 record and are poised for a playoff run as the NFC’s final Wild Card team.
Adding to the speculation, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is also a strong
contender for the Bears’ vacancy. Johnson, regarded as one of the top names in this coaching cycle, has drawn interest from several teams. According to Pelissero, Johnson is
intrigued by the Bears’ job and is open to discussions. His success in transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the most potent units in the league makes him a compelling candidate to lead the Bears.
The Bears’ Week 16 matchup against the Lions served as an unofficial audition, with Chicago suffering a 34-17 loss. Johnson’s ability to
orchestrate Detroit’s explosive offense was on full display, potentially cementing his status as a top candidate for the Bears’ job.
This coaching search highlights the Bears’ desire to find a leader who can maximize the potential of Caleb Williams. The former USC standout entered the NFL with high expectations but has
faced a turbulent rookie season. The team’s struggles led to the firing of not only Eberflus but also offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, leaving Williams without a stable offensive system.
Kingsbury and Johnson both bring credentials that align with the Bears’ vision. Kingsbury’s experience with quarterbacks and his recent
success in Washington make him an attractive option, especially given his previous connection with Williams. Meanwhile, Johnson’s innovative
offensive schemes and success in Detroit suggest he could be the transformative leader Chicago needs.
The Bears are under pressure to make a decisive move that ensures Caleb Williams’ development and the franchise’s future success. Both Kingsbury and Johnson represent a fresh start for Chicago, with the potential to bring stability and creativity to a team eager to turn the page on a disappointing season.
As the NFL coaching carousel heats up, all eyes will be on Chicago to see who they choose to lead their rebuild. With Kingsbury and Johnson emerging as frontrunners, the Bears’ decision could shape their trajectory for years to come.