NFL News: Ron Rivera Reportedly Interviewing for Bears HC Job amid Ben Johnson Rumors

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 11, 2025

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Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera will interview for the Chicago Bears head coaching vacancy this weekend, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

Rivera, who did not coach this season after getting fired by the Commanders at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, has already interviewed for the New York Jets head coaching job.

Per the Associated Press (h/t WTOP), the Bears have already interviewed former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

The Bears have a virtual interview scheduled with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Saturday as well.

Johnson has been heavily linked to the Bears’ head coaching job for quite some time with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reporting in October that Johnson eyed the position last offseason.

Chicago stuck with Matt Eberflus, though, before firing him in November after a sixth consecutive loss.

While Johnson may be the Bears’ preferred candidate, Rivera is a legitimate option if Chicago is unable to seal the deal with the Lions OC.

Rivera is among the most experienced head coaching candidates available, as he spent nine years coaching the Panthers and four in Washington, compiling an overall record of 102-103-2.

Over the course of Rivera’s 13 years as an NFL head coach, he won four division titles, brought his team to the playoffs five times and went 3-5 in eight career postseason games.

Rivera twice won the NFL Coach of the Year Award as well, including in 2015 when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance.

The 63-year-old Rivera also has deep ties to the Bears organization, as he spent his entire nine-year playing career in the Windy City.

Rivera was a linebacker for the Bears from 1984 to 1992, and he served as a backup and special teamer on the legendary 1985 Bears team that won the Super Bowl and boasted arguably the greatest defense in NFL history.

After recording nine interceptions, 7.5 sacks and six fumble recoveries in 137 career games, Rivera transitioned to coaching, serving as a defensive quality control coach for the Bears from 1997 to 1998 and as their defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006.

The Bears went a disappointing 5-12 in 2024, but they present an attractive situation for prospective head coaches due to their young talent on both sides of the ball, including their quarterback in 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams.