Ben Johnson, the Las Vegas Raiders’ top coach candidate, has shocked fans by joining the Chicago Bears as their new head coach. The decision comes as no surprise, given Johnson’s expressed interest in the position from the start. Despite being the favorite to land in Las Vegas, Johnson prioritized the Bears and accepted a job offer before the Raiders could finalize the deal.
Johnson’s focus on quarterback play is a key factor in his hiring. The Bears have Caleb Williams under center, while the Raiders lack a clear path to their next quarterback. This difference in priorities may have contributed to the Raiders’ inability to secure Johnson’s services.
Tom Brady, the new part-time owner of the Raiders, was seen as a draw for coaching candidates. However, Brady’s influence alone was not enough to seal the deal for Johnson. The former NFL coach is ready to move on from his previous stint and explore new opportunities.
With seven other known candidates vying for the Bears’ head coaching position, including Pete Carroll and Robert Saleh, it remains to be seen who will ultimately secure the job. Meanwhile, the Raiders are still searching for a general manager to pair with their new coach, with Tampa Bay’s John Spytek reportedly leading the charge.
The Bears’ decision to hire Johnson may have an impact on the search for a GM, potentially affecting the chances of Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Liam Coen. As the coaching and front office landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Ben Johnson’s unexpected move to Chicago Bears has sent shockwaves through the NFL.
Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/1/20/24348142/raiders-ben-johnson-coaching-search-pete-carroll