Lions OC Ben Johnson talks to Bears about head coach job

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the hottest candidates on the 2025 head coaching circuit, interviewed for the Chicago Bears' top job, the team announced Saturday.

Johnson, 38, interviewed with the New England Patriots on Friday, and NFL.com reported that he's also spoken with the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

All interviews are being conducted virtually, under league rules, because the Lions are in the playoffs.

The Bears are searching for a head coach to replace Matt Eberflus, who was fired after Week 13 with the team at 4-8. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown finished the season with a 1-4 mark as the Bears finished in last place in the tough NFC North.

Johnson has been on the Detroit offensive coaching staff since 2019 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. He previously worked with the Miami Dolphins (2012-18).

After the 2023 season, Johnson backed out of contention for the head-coaching roles with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, instead deciding to return to the Lions to pursue a Super Bowl championship. Detroit is the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

The Lions had one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL this season, averaging 409.5 yards (second in NFL) and 33.2 points (first in NFL) per game. The Bears were last in the NFL in average yards (284.6) and tied for 28th in scoring (18.2 points) per game.

--Field Level Media