The search for the next head coach of the Chicago Bears has taken on a renewed sense of urgency after a disappointing 2024 season. With an underwhelming performance under head coach Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed after a string of disappointing seasons, the Bears front office has identified two clear front-runners in the race to become the team’s next leader. These candidates are seen not only as capable of turning around a struggling franchise but also as having the qualities and experience to mold a young team centered around star quarterback Justin Fields.
As the Bears move forward in their search, two names are consistently rising to the top of the list: Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, and Jim Harbaugh, the University of Michigan head coach. Each brings a unique set of skills and strengths to the table, and both have been touted as strong candidates to help bring Chicago back to prominence.
1. Ben Johnson: The Offensive Innovator
Ben Johnson, currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quickly become one of the hottest names in coaching circles. After taking over the Lions’ offense in 2022, Johnson has worked wonders in developing a dynamic and high-scoring unit. The Lions have consistently been one of the top offenses in the league under his leadership, which has garnered widespread praise for his creativity, play-calling, and ability to adjust in-game.
A major selling point for Johnson is his offensive acumen, which is particularly attractive to the Bears, who have struggled with their offense in recent years. With Justin Fields entering the prime of his career, Chicago’s next head coach must be able to build an offense that leverages Fields’ mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability. Johnson has shown a knack for designing offenses that maximize the strengths of his quarterbacks, and his experience with Jared Goff in Detroit speaks to his ability to develop a passer. Fields, a more athletic and physically gifted quarterback than Goff, could be a perfect fit for Johnson’s system.
What sets Johnson apart from other offensive minds in the league is his ability to create a balanced attack that doesn’t rely solely on one aspect of the game. In Detroit, he has helped develop a rushing attack that is explosive, led by players like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, while also fostering a passing game that stretches the field and creates big plays. Johnson’s diverse playbook and emphasis on creative scheming are what makes him an intriguing candidate for a Bears team that needs to improve in almost every offensive category.
Despite being a relatively young and somewhat unproven coordinator, Johnson’s work in Detroit has been enough to earn him serious consideration. His offensive success has made him a prime candidate for teams seeking to build a modern, dynamic offense. For the Bears, hiring Johnson could be the start of a new era—one where the offense finally matches the potential of its defense and stars like Fields can thrive.
2. Jim Harbaugh: The Proven Winner
On the other hand, Jim Harbaugh, the current head coach at the University of Michigan, has long been linked to NFL job openings, and his name continues to pop up in coaching searches across the league. Known for his success at both the NFL and collegiate levels, Harbaugh has consistently proven his ability to turn struggling teams into winners. His tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014 was particularly impressive, where he took a franchise that had been mired in mediocrity and led it to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple NFC Championship Game appearances.
Harbaugh’s track record in the NFL is enough to make him an appealing candidate for the Bears. He has a well-documented history of revitalizing teams and getting the most out of his players. His demanding and detail-oriented approach to coaching has earned him a reputation for building disciplined and competitive teams. Harbaugh’s ability to lead a team in tough situations could be a perfect match for a Bears squad that is rebuilding and needs a strong, steady hand to guide it through its challenges.
Although Harbaugh has spent the past decade coaching at Michigan, his success in the college ranks cannot be overlooked. In Ann Arbor, he has consistently led Michigan to Big Ten championships and major bowl games, cementing his status as one of the top coaches in college football. Harbaugh’s success in recruiting and developing talent would be a valuable asset to the Bears, who are in the midst of a rebuild and need someone who can develop their younger players, especially Fields, into stars.
What Harbaugh could bring to Chicago is a proven leadership style, a no-nonsense approach, and a strong emphasis on building a tough, physical football team. His ability to get his players to buy into his system and compete week in and week out has been one of his trademarks. His experience with quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco and J.J. McCarthy at Michigan also gives him credibility when it comes to working with young, talented signal-callers—making him a strong candidate to help Fields take the next step in his development.
However, Harbaugh’s willingness to leave Michigan is still a question mark. He has been linked to NFL openings in recent years but has opted to stay in college, in part due to his success at Michigan and his comfort in the college game. It remains to be seen if Harbaugh would leave his current situation, but if he were to commit to the Bears, he could quickly help the team return to respectability and contend in the NFC North once again.
Conclusion
While Ben Johnson and Jim Harbaugh represent two very different paths forward for the Bears, both are highly qualified candidates who could help turn the franchise’s fortunes around. Johnson represents the fresh, innovative offensive mind who can build around Fields and design a modern, explosive attack. Harbaugh, on the other hand, is the proven winner with a track record of success in both the NFL and college football, offering stability and leadership in tough times.
The decision ultimately comes down to which direction the Bears front office wants to take. Do they prefer the high ceiling of a young, up-and-coming coordinator in Johnson, or the established pedigree of Harbaugh, who has proven his ability to win at the highest levels? Regardless of the choice, the Bears’ next head coach will play a critical role in shaping the future of the team and its young quarterback.
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