The Chicago Bears have engaged in discussions with Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, about their open head coaching position, as announced on the team’s social media platform on Saturday.

Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions secured the top seed in the NFC playoffs this season. The team led the league with the highest average points per game, ranking second in both passing yards and total yards per game.

Johnson, who was elevated to offensive coordinator in 2022, has spent the previous three years with the Lions in a variety of positions. His leadership was instrumental in steering the Lions to the NFC championship game during the last season.

Additionally, the Bears have also held interviews with several other candidates, including former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Drew Petzing, who serves as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, Anthony Weaver, the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, and Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, earlier on Thursday. Furthermore, they met with former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday.

The Bears are on the lookout for a successor to Matt Eberflus, who was let go mid-season after the team managed only a 4-8 record. Ultimately, the Bears concluded the season with a disappointing 5-12 record, placing them last in the NFC North division.