Bears Rumors: Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson in ‘2-Horse Race’ for HC Job; Flores in Mix

Andrew PetersJanuary 17, 2025

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The race for the Chicago Bears head coaching job is reportedly between two candidates.

On The Herd, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson are in a “two-horse race” to land the gig. Schultz also noted that Brian Flores could still be in the mix if he “wows” the Bears.

“For all intensive purposes, the Chicago job, it is a two-horse race between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson,” Schultz said. “I think if Brian Flores goes in and wows them, then he is still in that mix. But right now, I think McCarthy and I think Ben Johnson are the two leading candidates for Chicago. ”

Herd w/Colin Cowherd @TheHerd.@Schultz_Report says the Chicago Bears head coaching search is a two-horse race between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/Y4x0lx6iP8

McCarthy, who parted ways with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week, completed an interview with Chicago on Wednesday. Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, interviewed with the Bears over the weekend.

Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, has not yet interviewed with Chicago but will do so on Saturday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

According to Schultz, the Bears are seeking an offensive-minded head coach to cater to quarterback Caleb Williams, though the rookie will not have a say in who is named head coach.

Chicago would get an offensive-minded coach in both McCarthy and Johnson.

Aside from the 2024 season, McCarthy’s Cowboys regularly finished near the top in points per game, including in 2021 when they led the NFL with 31.2 points per game. Of course, some of that success can be attributed star quarterback Dak Prescott, but the Bears are hoping Williams can pan out and thrive in an offense potentially led by McCarthy.

Schultz noted McCarthy’s history of developing quarterbacks such as Prescott and Aaron Rodgers as a reason for Chicago’s interest in him.

Johnson has helped lead a resurgence in Detroit, and the Lions’ success over the past few years has been fueled by their offense. This season, Detroit had the second-most yards per game and led the league in points per game at 33.2.