Coach Search Announcement
During a morning meeting at Halas Hall on January 19, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles disclosed to the team and coaching search participants his preferred choice for the next head coach. He had maintained silence about his thoughts up until that moment to avoid influencing opinions regarding the candidates that were interviewed.
Shift in Strategy
On the night prior, the Bears’ coaching search gained momentum amidst the Detroit Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders. Poles had a brief conversation with president/CEO Kevin Warren during the game, which led to the realization that action needed to be taken swiftly to pursue Ben Johnson.
Preparation for the Next Steps
According to chairman George McCaskey, Poles emphasized the need to be prepared to travel to Detroit for Johnson. However, after discussions with Johnson’s agent, Rick Smith, they decided to allow Johnson time to process the recent developments while still keeping an interview with Eddie George on their agenda.
Immediate Action Required
With the Lions now out of playoff contention, the coaching search intensified. Poles and the Bears needed to be ready to act quickly if they wanted to secure Johnson. Warren and McCaskey later shared insights on Poles’ thorough search process that culminated in Johnson’s hiring, marking a promising offseason for the franchise.
Organized Interview Process
McCaskey noted that Johnson was likely Poles’ top choice from the outset, but Poles wisely refrained from expressing that sentiment too early in the process. Warren described Poles’ approach as the most organized interview process he had ever encountered, utilizing Microsoft Teams for documentation and evaluations after each interview.
Candidate Assessment
The Bears interviewed 17 candidates, with each interview followed by an evaluation where panel members graded candidates on a scale from 1 to 9. Factors such as football intelligence, communication, leadership traits, and future quarterback development plans were critical to each assessment, which McCaskey equated to an extensive scouting report.
Hiring Ben Johnson
Johnson clearly conveyed his desire to coach the Bears during his interview, stating emphatically that he wanted the role. After a series of interviews, including one with Aaron Glenn and a mix of other candidates, Johnson officially became Poles’ choice for head coach on January 20. A contract was swiftly negotiated and finalized, demonstrating the Bears’ readiness and commitment to securing their top candidate.
