The Chicago Bears’ 2025 coaching search is coming to a close, with a hire expected this week.
After weeks of speculation and with a list of candidates being interviewed for the job growing by the day, I decided to run a poll on Twitter to determine who Bears fans have as their top choice to be the next coach -head of the Bears.
The results were as lopsided as might have been expected.
Updated Coaches Survey, #DaBears fans. Who do you prefer?
– Let’s Talk About Bears (@TheBearsTalk) January 20, 2025
Ben Johnson is the clear favorite with over 75% of the vote, leaving Mike McCarthy, Todd Monken and Joe Brady in the dust. McCarthy led the rest with 11.6%, while Monken and Brady lagged behind with 10.6% and below.
Johnson’s appeal stems from his notable tenure as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Under his leadership, Detroit’s offense went from pedestrian to prolific, dazzling fans with creative play designs and lots of points.
Johnson’s ability to turn Jared Goff into an MVP candidate has Bears fans excited about what he could do with Caleb Williams, a player with traits far superior to those of Goff.
Mike McCarthy, despite his Super Bowl experience and pedigree, represents a safer, more traditional choice. His tenure with the Packers earned him a Super Bowl championship and he enjoyed flashes of success with the Cowboys. Still, his predictable, methodical style likely dampened his appeal with Bears fans. McCarthy is the boring retread.
Sometimes being bored is good. This is especially true for a Bears team that needs a culture change in the locker room.
Todd Monken, a dynamic offensive mind who has taken Lamar Jackson to new heights, and Joe Brady, a promising youngster who played for Josh Allen the past two years, both offer intriguing possibilities. However, neither generated the buzz Johnson did, with their combined votes falling well short of his tidal wave.
The message from Bears fans is clear: They crave excitement, creativity and a break from the cycle of offensive futility that has become synonymous with Chicago football. Johnson’s offensive genius seems to fit that vision perfectly.
The decision, however, rests with general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears front office. Will they adopt Johnson’s innovative approach or build on McCarthy’s experience? The Poles lost their way after Jayden Daniels, the quarterback selected After Williams and Jalen Carter, the defensive lineman he allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to trade for, both dominated the NFL’s divisional playoff round.
It is safe to say that trust in Poles is decreasing.
If Johnson gets the job, Bears fans will welcome him with open arms and high hopes. His success in Detroit suggests he could finally bring the offensive firepower needed to a Chicago Bears franchise poised to turn the corner.
What if the bears don’t do it hire Johnson? Fasten your seat belt. This is going to be a journey fraught with pitfalls.
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