"Fire Ryan Poles" - Bears fans make feelings known over viral rumor of isolated demand for Lions OC Ben Johnson

Fans on social media have reacted to the Chicago Bears' rumored demand from the Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson.

The interviews for the head coach positions of different teams are in line this week. Ben Johnson has been in high demand in the hiring circles and has reportedly interviewed for teams such as the Bears and the New England Patriots.

Recently, sports journalist George Ofman shared a post on his X account revealing the Bears' rumored demand from their head coach candidate Johnson. Sharing the post on X, Ofman wrote:

"Told the Bears want Ben Johnson to offer them a leadership plan while other candidates are being asked to present a QB plan."

Fans shared their opinion about the same in the comment section. Some fans criticized the Bears' general manager Ryan Poles for the demand.

"Fire Ryan Poles please," a fan wrote.

"This is totally backwards. He doesn’t need to leave. This team needs to present a leadership plan to him, and give some good reasons why Poles still has his job, and why he should leave a very well run operation and come to one of the most poorly run organizations in recent years," one more fan said.

Meanwhile, another fan criticized the Bears for asking such questions to Johnson during the hiring process, while acknowledging that the OC is high in demand.

"Quite the arrogant take from the Bears if you ask me. They should be trying to sell Johnson and why he should go there, not the other way around. Particularly because Johnson is in high demand," another fan said.

While some came in support of the Bears.

"Makes sense, they know what he can do for a QB, they need to know what he can do for the team," a fan said.

"I think it's a good plan. We know he can call a game. If he can't lead it's a mute point," another fan added.

"I don't think this is such a bad ask by the Bears. Johnson has never been the lead guy; he should have to answer leadership-type questions," one more said.

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A look into Bears' coaching candidates

The Bears had a poor performance in 2024, and they fired their coach Matt Eberflus, following which there is a vacancy for the position. They have been interviewing potential candidates to fill the role.

Former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is one of the top candidates to join the Bears as their new HC. Holding a career record of 170-120-1 in NFL head coaching, he is one of the best candidates to join the team.

Carroll holds extensive experience in the role during his time working with Seattle. However, he stepped away from duties in 2024 after Seattle hired a new coach, but he could be back in 2025.

Next in line is Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Mike Vrabel also has a good chance to be the next head coach for the Bears. He had previously worked with the Tennessee Titans and could be a good candidate for the Bears.

Some other candidates are Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores, Joe Brady and Thomas Brown.