Categories: sports

Bears drop Mike McCarthy, hire Ben Johnson as new head coach

The Green Bay Packers won’t see Mike McCarthy again in the NFC North, but a familiar foe remains inside the division and is headed to Chicago. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears are finalizing the hiring of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the team’s new head coach.

McCarthy, the former Packers coach, interviewed with the Bears and was considered one of the favorites for the job. But Chicago is opting for Johnson, who has been one of the NFL’s hottest coaching candidates over the past few seasons and is now ready to leave Detroit after a disappointing playoff exit.

The Lions lost as a No. 1 seed in the NFC divisional round, giving Johnson the freedom to accept any head coaching job offer. He chose to remain in the NFC North, meaning the Packers will continue to play him twice per season.

Under Johnson, the Lions ranked in the top 10 in offensive scoring in each of the last three seasons and finished first in 2024. Detroit was 5-1 in games against the Packers with Johnson as offensive coordinator.

The question now becomes: Can Johnson — one of the NFL’s best playmakers — and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams come together to turn the Bears around?

Chicago finished 5-12 last season. The Bears started 4-2 but lost 10 straight games and coach Matt Eberflus was fired at 4-8. Interim coach Thomas Brown went 1-4 to finish. The Bears have only made the playoffs twice (2018, 2020) and haven’t had a playoff victory since the Packers won the NFC Championship Game in Chicago during the 2010 season.

However, the Bears beat the Packers in the 2024 season finale – ending the 10-game losing streak overall and the 11-game losing streak in the rivalry – and have now landed the top coaching candidate in this cycle.

s92oQeSxPt

Recent Posts

Trump’s first day as president marks sweeping cuts to DEI, citing MLK

When a new White House official announced Donald Trump's executive order dismantling federal diversity, equity…

3 minutes ago

From Texas to Florida, Rare Winter Storm Brings Historic Snowfall: The Picture Show: NPR

New Orleans, Louisiana: Snow falls on Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Michael DeMocker/Getty Images…

4 minutes ago

Trump’s Embrace of Sour Coin Vibes in the Crypto Industry

President Donald Trump's goodwill in the cryptocurrency industry took a hit after he launched it…

5 minutes ago

PRESS RELEASE: Statement from the Oilers on the suspension of Connor McDavid

EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers released the following statement regarding the three-game suspension of…

7 minutes ago

Ryan Gosling to star in Shawn Levy’s film

Ryan Gosling is heading to the great galaxy far, far away. The three-time Oscar nominee…

12 minutes ago

6 Vitamins and Minerals You Need to Age Gracefully, According to Experts

A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals is not only essential for…

13 minutes ago