The Chicago Bears are in the midst of an important and high-stakes search for their next head coach following the midseason firing of Matt Eberflus. While the process is still ongoing, NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed some intriguing details that suggest the search has boiled down to a “two-horse race.” According to Schultz, the two leading candidates for the Bears’ top job are Mike McCarthy, former head coach of the Green Bay Packers, and Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. While there could still be some movement—especially if Brian Flores delivers a standout interview—the current frontrunners are McCarthy and Johnson.
This announcement immediately sparked plenty of speculation and interest, as both McCarthy and Johnson come with strong resumes, albeit with different levels of experience. McCarthy’s track record as an NFL head coach, particularly with a young quarterback, makes him a natural fit for a team like the Bears, who are looking to develop their promising young star, Justin Fields. McCarthy’s most notable success came during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he not only helped guide a young Aaron Rodgers to greatness but also led the team to a Super Bowl victory. Despite being fired in 2018 after a successful stint, McCarthy’s leadership of the Cowboys over the past few seasons—where he led them to three 12-win seasons—has reaffirmed his ability to manage high-level teams. His experience with young quarterbacks would likely be a major selling point for the Bears, who are looking to maximize Justin Fields’ potential.
On the other hand, Ben Johnson’s stock has skyrocketed after his work as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the brightest minds in the NFL when it comes to offensive strategy. His ability to turn around the Lions’ offense, particularly helping Jared Goff rediscover his form, has earned him widespread recognition. Johnson’s ability to develop a quarterback, something that the Bears are desperate to do with Fields, makes him an incredibly attractive option. His offensive ingenuity could provide the spark the Bears’ offense desperately needs.
The fact that both McCarthy and Johnson are offensive-minded coaches aligns with the Bears’ apparent desire to focus on developing Fields and making him a superstar. Given the opportunity to work with a quarterback prospect as talented as Fields, either coach could help elevate the offense to new heights. With the Bears possessing the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, they are in a prime position to select a top-tier quarterback like Caleb Williams, and either McCarthy or Johnson could be instrumental in transforming him into the face of the franchise.
As the search continues, it’s clear that the Bears are looking for an experienced leader who can quickly make an impact, especially in terms of developing their young quarterback. Whether McCarthy’s proven track record with Rodgers or Johnson’s cutting-edge offensive approach ultimately wins out, it’s clear that the Bears’ next head coach will play a pivotal role in determining the future of the franchise. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the Bears’ decision, knowing that it will significantly shape the team’s trajectory in the coming years.