Chicago Bears coaching search: Insider declares 'two-horse race' between Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears hit double-digit interviews this week as they work through their coaching search. But two names are starting to emerge from the rest of the pack, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

During an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Schultz called it a “two-horse race” between Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson for the Bears job. Chicago is casting a wide net as it works to replace Matt Eberflus, and the interview count hit 12 on Thursday, with more requests still outstanding.

But even as Bears general manager Ryan Poles and president Kevin Warren work through the search, Schultz said it appears McCarthy and Johnson are starting to create separation. Another name that could emerge is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who’s set to interview Saturday. It’s also worth noting McCarthy is expected to speak with the New Orleans Saints, as well.

“I think it’s been made clear to me that for all intents and 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’s still in that mix.

“But right now, I think McCarthy and I think Ben Johnson are the two leading candidates for Chicago. And it’ll be really interesting to see [for] Chicago, what type of direction they want to go because in many ways, the franchise is Caleb Williams – ideally, for the next decade-plus.”

How Caleb Williams fits into Bears coaching search

Williams, of course, is the focal point of Chicago’s offseason. Despite playing for two head coaches and two play-callers, he still threw for 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with just six interceptions. He declared his preference in a coach during an appearance on The St. Brown Podcast, hoping for a young, offensive mind.

The sense, according to Schultz, is the Bears are going to lean toward an offensive-minded coach to focus on Williams’ development. As for what role he’s playing in the search, Schultz said he won’t have a say, necessarily. But from Chicago’s standpoint, coaches such as McCarthy and Johnson could stand out because of their track records with quarterbacks.

Johnson is the belle of the ball this cycle, most notably generating interest from the Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders. But Schultz made the case for McCarthy as a strong Plan B because of his history with Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott.

“They’re going to give him an offensive coach, I believe,” Schultz said of Williams. “But he’s not going to have a say in the hiring. Yes, he’s the No. 1 pick. Yes, he’s the franchise, he’s the cornerstone. But he’s still a second-year player. It’s not like he’s going to Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles saying, ‘Give me Ben Johnson.’ He’s not going to influence the decision in that capacity. But they also recognize – the Bears do – that they have now had Matt Eberflus, Luke Getsy, Shane Waldron. All of these coaches that have not connected to their players, especially this year with Caleb and Waldron. So they’re desperately in need, in my opinion, of an offensive coach. An innovator who will get Caleb from Point A to Point B.

“And if you look at Mike McCarthy, he’s not a perfect coach. But one thing he has done very well is help develop an Aaron Rodgers, help develop a Dak Prescott. I think, in theory, he could do the same thing with Caleb. Although if I’m the Bears, my No. 1 choice should be Ben Johnson.”