Bears request interviews with Lions coordinators Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn

The Chicago Bears are in need of a seismic shift regarding their coaching staff, and they’re looking towards their division rival to get the job done.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bears have requested interviews with both coordinators of the Detroit Lions, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The pair of assistant coaches are in demand this offseason, and Chicago won’t be their only suitor, but they’re making an effort.

“Wasting no time: The #Bears have requested interviews with #Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn for their head coaching job, per sources,” Pelissero posted on X.

As the coaching carousel gets underway, it’s easy to see why Johnson and Glenn are the two most in-demand names available, after the pair helped lead the Lions to an incredible 15-2 season, and a first-round bye as the top seed in the NFC.

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Johnson has worked his way up through the organization to become arguably the top offensive coordinator in all of the NFL. He joined the Lions after spending a myriad of seasons with the Miami Dolphins, and Dan Campbell elevated him from an assistant to the team’s top offensive mind in 2022, so it’s easy to understand why he’s shown loyalty to the Lions’ leader over the past couple of off-seasons.

Still, it may be time for Johnson to move on, as there’s no guarantee he’ll be as in-demand if he once again scoffs at an opening. Last season, he seemed destined for the Washington Commanders, but he chose to try and help Detroit win their first Super Bowl.

On the other hand, Glenn may be the top defensive mind that teams are looking at for their head coach vacancies. A former first-round defensive back out of Texas A&M who was drafted by the New York Jets, Glenn had a lengthy playing career before getting into coaching, and Campbell hired him away from the New Orleans Saints in 2021, giving him his first shot to coordinate a defense.

A return to New York or New Orleans can’t be ruled out, but it’s easy to see why Glenn is gaining momentum as a candidate for a myriad of vacancies. He’s shown immense leadership skills, and his defense has been on-par with Johnson’s impressive offense. Together, the pair of coordinators help make up the best tandem in the NFL, and that’s why teams want a taste of what Detroit is cooking.

Regardless of whether they hire Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn or a different candidate, it’s obvious the Bears are facing a decision that’ll shape their franchise for seasons to come. With quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm, they can’t afford to miss, so the pressure is on in Chicago this offseason.