The Chicago Bears have a CVS receipt full of head coaching candidate names after “Black Monday.”
Two key names on the Bears’ list seem to be the team’s more likely options. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can interview with Chicago virtually this week, but cannot do in-person interviews until after the Lions are out of the playoffs. The Bears are treating Johnson differently than other candidates, asking him to provide a leadership plan instead of a QB plan.
Chicago Bears take next step with Mike Vrabel
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel appears to have the intangibles Bears players would like to have.
Per Doug Kyed with the Boston Herald, the Bears will interview Vrabel on Wednesday.
“The Bears will interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel tomorrow, per source,” Kyed posted on X.
The Bears will interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel tomorrow, per source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 7, 2025
Vrabel’s contract as an advisor with the Cleveland Browns ended before Week 18, meaning Chicago can interview him in person. Vrabel is a candidate for the New York Jets and New England Patriots, with many assuming he’s a lock to replace Jerod Mayo in New England.
A high-stakes virtual interview with Ben Johnson
The Bears might expedite the process of hiring Vrabel if he does well in Wednesday’s interview. If he’s their guy, they don’t have time to wait for Johnson to become available. At the earliest, Johnson could become available after the divisional round, at the latest, post-Super Bowl in February, should the shorthanded Lions defense take the team that far.
Vrabel could be hired by the Jets or Patriots as soon as they comply with the Rooney Rule.
Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Lions are granting teams Thursday-Saturday to interview Johnson (and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) virtually. Given the demand for Vrabel, that meeting might be high-stakes for Johnson and the Bears. Here’s hoping Johnson does better in this week’s interview than how he’s done in the past.
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams is primed to break this feat in 2025
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
