The Chicago Bears’ coaching search is now a two-man race between wildly disparate candidates, according to an NFL insider.

The Chicago Bears’ Coaching Search Is Now a Two-Man Race Between Wildly Disparate Candidates, According to an NFL Insider

As the Chicago Bears look toward the 2025 NFL season, their coaching search has become one of the most closely watched and debated stories in the league. With a young, talented quarterback in Justin Fields and an underperforming roster, the Bears are desperate for leadership that can take the team to the next level. After months of speculation, interviews, and rumors, NFL insiders are reporting that the coaching search is now down to two candidates, each with radically different backgrounds, philosophies, and visions for the future of the Bears.

In this article, we’ll dive into the two leading candidates, examining their contrasting styles, what they would bring to the Bears, and what makes them such distinct choices. One is a proven head coach with a strong defensive pedigree, while the other is an up-and-coming offensive mind with a history of developing quarterbacks. The direction the Bears choose to go will likely have far-reaching implications for the team’s future. But as the coaching search continues, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Bears have a significant decision to make.

Candidate One: DeMeco Ryans – A Defensive Maestro

DeMeco Ryans, the current head coach of the Houston Texans, has emerged as a front-runner in the Bears’ search. Known for his commanding presence and defensive brilliance, Ryans has quickly become one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL. His meteoric rise as a defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers set the stage for his successful head coaching stint in Houston. Now, Ryans finds himself leading a Texans team that has far exceeded expectations, thanks in large part to his ability to create a formidable defense and change the culture of the team.

Defensive Philosophy

Ryans’ expertise lies in defense, where he has made his mark with innovative schemes that emphasize speed, discipline, and aggressive playmaking. During his time with the 49ers, he helped build one of the most fearsome defenses in the league, consistently ranking near the top in key metrics like total defense, sacks, and turnovers. Ryans runs a 4-3 defense that emphasizes pressure from the front seven and solid coverage in the secondary. His defenses are designed to control the line of scrimmage, dominate in the trenches, and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

The Chicago Bears, with their proud history of defensive excellence, would be a natural fit for Ryans. The Bears have long been known for their defense, and bringing in a coach with Ryans’ pedigree could rejuvenate the defense and help return the team to its roots. Under Ryans, the Bears could potentially see a return to their traditional style of play—focused on a relentless pass rush, ball-hawking secondary, and a defense that can win games on its own.

However, there is a significant challenge in bringing Ryans to Chicago. While his defensive expertise is undeniable, the Bears have an immediate need for offensive improvement, particularly with the development of Justin Fields. Ryans’ primary experience is on the defensive side of the ball, and while he has been successful in Houston, there are questions about whether he could build a complementary offense. A head coach like Ryans, who comes from a defensive background, could lean heavily on a strong defensive system, but his ability to develop the offense—especially a young quarterback like Fields—remains a major unknown.

Ryans’ Leadership and Culture-Building Ability

One of Ryans’ most appealing traits is his ability to change the culture of a team. When he took over the Texans, they were in the midst of a rebuild and had struggled with consistency for years. Ryans immediately began fostering a culture of toughness, accountability, and discipline. In many ways, this mirrors the type of culture the Bears need to develop in order to succeed.

Ryans’ ability to connect with players is evident in the way his team has responded to him. Many of the young Texans players have praised his leadership style, which balances toughness with empathy. This is a crucial factor for a Bears team that needs a coach who can not only develop young talent but also instill a sense of unity and purpose throughout the roster.

In terms of leadership, Ryans is seen as a coach who commands respect while also fostering an environment where players can thrive. His transition from a player to a coach was seamless, and he brings a level of maturity and professionalism that could benefit the Bears’ locker room.

The Case for Ryans

For the Bears, hiring Ryans could provide instant credibility on the defensive side of the ball. A coach who specializes in defense could elevate a team that already has strong pieces, such as Roquan Smith and Jaquan Brisker. Additionally, Ryans’ ability to build a competitive culture would be invaluable as the Bears continue to grow and develop their roster.

However, the key question surrounding Ryans is whether he can assemble a coaching staff that will adequately address the Bears’ offensive needs, particularly with Fields at quarterback. If the Bears decide to hire Ryans, they would need to bring in a top-tier offensive coordinator—someone who can work hand-in-hand with Ryans to develop Fields and maximize the offense’s potential.

Candidate Two: Ben Johnson – The Offensive Visionary

The second leading candidate for the Bears’ head coaching job is Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson’s rise through the coaching ranks has been swift and impressive, and his work with Lions quarterback Jared Goff has earned him widespread recognition as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. Johnson’s offensive scheme is rooted in creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to getting the most out of his players, particularly quarterbacks.

Offensive Philosophy

Johnson is known for his innovative and versatile offensive scheme, which relies on a balanced attack. His offense incorporates a variety of elements, from quick passing games to deep play-action shots, and focuses on creating mismatches through motion, formations, and pre-snap movement. One of Johnson’s signature traits is his ability to adapt his game plan based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing defense. This flexibility would be invaluable for a Bears offense that has struggled to find consistency over the past few years.

Johnson’s track record with quarterbacks is particularly intriguing. Under his watch, Jared Goff has had some of the best seasons of his career, proving that Johnson has the ability to unlock the potential of a young quarterback. Goff’s ability to be both efficient and explosive in Johnson’s system speaks to the offensive coordinator’s strength in scheming plays that put his quarterback in the best position to succeed.

For Justin Fields, a coach like Johnson could be the key to unlocking his full potential as a passer. Fields has shown glimpses of greatness with his legs, but his development as a passer has been inconsistent. Johnson’s innovative approach could provide Fields with the tools and structure needed to thrive as a dual-threat quarterback. Fields could benefit from a scheme that emphasizes his strengths while simultaneously addressing his weaknesses.

Johnson’s Leadership and Staff Building

While Ryans is a coach who has proven himself on the defensive side, Johnson’s experience as an offensive coordinator gives him the expertise to mold a high-performing unit. Johnson has been praised for his ability to communicate with players, particularly quarterbacks, and for fostering a collaborative environment within his offensive group.

One of the key aspects of Johnson’s coaching style is his commitment to working closely with his players to ensure they understand the offense’s nuances. This hands-on approach, combined with his creativity, makes him an attractive option for a Bears team that has a young, developing quarterback in Justin Fields. Johnson’s ability to empower his players and build an effective staff around him could also be crucial in ensuring that the Bears’ offense finally reaches its potential.

The Case for Johnson

For the Bears, hiring Ben Johnson could be a game-changer, especially when it comes to developing Justin Fields. Johnson’s ability to create a dynamic and adaptable offensive scheme, combined with his success in working with quarterbacks, makes him an ideal candidate to shepherd Fields through the next stage of his career. Additionally, Johnson’s reputation as an innovative offensive mind could provide the Bears with a much-needed identity on offense, helping them become more competitive in a league that increasingly rewards high-scoring, versatile offenses.

However, Johnson’s lack of head coaching experience is a potential concern. While he has excelled as an offensive coordinator, leading a team as a head coach requires a different skill set—particularly in terms of managing the defense, game management, and overall leadership. The Bears would need to ensure that Johnson could surround himself with a strong defensive coordinator and other key staff members to create a well-rounded team.