Caleb Williams is staying open to the process as the Chicago Bears search to find their next head coach, but he has made no secret of his admiration for one of the market’s top candidates: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Williams sang Johnson’s praises when asked about him and his candidacy for the Bears’ head coaching job during his end-of-year press conference on January 6, lauding the rival coach’s abilities as an offensive play-caller after seeing him in action twice in 2024.
“I think he’s been really cool to watch,” Williams said Monday after noting the creativity he saw from the Lion offense during Week 18’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I would just sit back and watch our game, trying to learn something in the process. He had creases for counters and other things during the game, which captivated me as I watched. I think it would be interesting to watch how everything plays out because he has clearly done a great job.
Ben Johnson May Only Interview With Bears & Patriots
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Lions have granted the Bears’ request to interview Johnson for their head coaching job and have specified a window of time from Thursday afternoon to Saturday during their bye this week to hold his interviews. Breer also noted that Johnson “will be selective” and may only take interviews with the Bears and the New England Patriots — who fired Jerod Mayo as coach on January 6.
From an outside perspective, Johnson seems like the sure-fired pick for the Bears. He is an offensive-minded coach who has helped mold the Lions offense into one of the most formidable units in the NFL over the past three years, a unit that led the NFL in scoring (564 points) and finished second in total passing yards (4,474) during the 2024 season.
Johnson also spoke glowingly about Williams in December when reporters asked about his impressions of the No. 1 pick during his turbulent rookie season with the Bears.
“There’s no question this guy is talented,” Johnson said. “I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”
The Bears, however, are casting a wide net in their coaching search and have requested interviews with more than a dozen potential candidates, including interim head coach Thomas Brown, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, among others.
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