The Chicago Bears have struggled to find quarterbacks and coaches in the 21st century. As their 2024-25 season winds down with disappointment, their offseason head coach search is likely to start early. The 2025 NFL offseason seems to have a large selection of head coaching candidates and numerous coach-needy teams. Headlined by the Detroit Lions star coordinators, the Bears have a variety of coaching styles they can look toward hiring.
However, two coaches stand out due to their elite eye for offense and QB development, a direction the Bears should aspire to for their rising star Caleb Williams. Who will their search end up yielding?
Ben Johnson
If the Bears were to hire Ben Johnson as their new head coach, it would be a huge step toward building a modern, dynamic offense that can maximize Williams‘ potential. The success he’s had as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions is indicative of his artful, creative scheming toward the strength of his players. He has continuously developed quarterbacks into consistent performers. Pairing him with a generational talent like Williams finally allows the Bears to stabilize a quarterback position that has plagued them for decades.
There are still questions about the purported rift between Johnson and Bears GM Ryan Poles, with reports that Johnson might like working with Commanders Assistant GM Lance Newmark. There is speculation that Poles’ reluctance to sign a deal with Johnson is rooted in insecurity rather than a wish to see the best possible outcomes for the team. The franchise cannot afford to let internal politics get in the way of securing one of the NFL’s best offensive minds.
Adding Johnson would be more than developing Williams, it would be a cultural shift in the Bears being about innovation and high-powered offense. The Bears could finally divest themselves of their historic run-and-defense reputation that cannot keep up with modern offensive trends. If the Bears are serious about building around their next quarterback, it seems like Johnson is the perfect candidate to take them into their new era.
Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury will emerge as the compelling candidate for the Chicago Bears head coaching job mainly because he brings instant familiarity to No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, being his former OC at USC. Having both college and NFL experience, and bringing in the kind of creative approach to offense a desperate Bears team is looking for, he makes an attractive choice. Yes, Kingsbury did have his shortcomings with the Cardinals, but it is undeniable how he elevates an offense and develops quarterbacks.
Perhaps most advantageously for Kingsbury, though, was how he received the most recent coaching experience under Dan Quinn with the Washington Commanders. He has publicly acknowledged learning valuable lessons from his tenure in Arizona, showing a level of self-awareness and adaptability that could benefit the Bears. If paired with a quarterback like Williams, Kingsbury’s offensive scheme could unlock the potential of Chicago’s passing attack. This is something the franchise has struggled with for decades.
There are, however, some question marks over Kingsbury’s candidacy, as his last tenure as a head coach ended on questions of leadership and the way he handled the defense. The Bears do need to decide whether that growth under Quinn has overcome those weaknesses. Still, Kingsbury represents an intriguing mix of experience, offensive acumen, and a clear vision for quarterback development. These are qualities that align with what Chicago desperately needs to turn the franchise around.
Final Thoughts
As the Chicago Bears prepare for another pivotal offseason, their decision at head coach will set the tone for the future of the franchise. In the cases of Ben Johnson and Kliff Kingsbury, each offers unique strengths that could fix some of the long-standing issues with offensive identity and quarterback development in Chicago. Johnson represents innovation and a modern vision on offense, while Kingsbury brings experience, familiarity with Williams, and lessons learned from his previous head coaching tenure.
The Bears can’t afford for internal politics or cold feet to get in the way of their search for the right candidate. Whether it’s Johnson’s cutting-edge schemes or Kingsbury’s quarterback expertise, the goal needs to be finding a leader who can maximize Williams’ generational talent and usher in a new era of offensive excellence. With the right hire, the Bears have an opportunity to break free from decades of inconsistency and finally build a team capable of sustained success.
