In a live update on the ongoing coaching search, the Chicago Bears completed their initial interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Saturday, January 11, and soon after, big news broke the following day.
Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, was named the new head coach of the New England Patriots on Sunday. The news was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“Homecoming: Mike Vrabel and the Patriots reached a multi-year agreement to make him New England’s next head coach, per sources,” Schefter tweeted on X.
This development has significant implications for the Bears’ coaching search in two key ways.
First, it eliminates Vrabel as a potential candidate for Chicago, which isn’t ideal for the Bears but wasn’t entirely unexpected. Once the Patriots parted ways with former head coach Mayo, Vrabel was widely regarded as the frontrunner to take over in New England.
Secondly, it narrows down the options for Ben Johnson, who had already interviewed with the Bears, Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars over a three-day window. After these interviews, Johnson is now focusing on preparations for the Lions’ upcoming home playoff game next weekend.
The Bears have already interviewed or requested conversations with over a dozen candidates and are still in the early stages of their search. While reports earlier suggested that Johnson might only meet with the Bears and Patriots, he ended up entertaining offers from other teams. With New England no longer in play, however, Chicago seems to be the most prominent opportunity for Johnson.
While the Bears’ internal rankings remain unclear, it’s widely believed that Johnson is either at or near the top of their list. The Lions’ offense, under Johnson’s leadership, has become a powerhouse, helping Detroit secure two consecutive division titles and a top seed in the NFC playoffs this season.
Moreover, Johnson’s reputation for developing quarterbacks—most notably Jared Goff, who has experienced significant career growth under his tutelage—makes him an excellent fit for the Bears. He could play a key role in the development of rookie QB Caleb Williams, who has shown promise but still requires guidance to reach his full potential in the NFL.
More news……
Lions’ Jack Fox Breaks NFL Record with Impressive 46.2 Net Yards per Punt This Season
In a season where the Detroit Lions punted the fewest times in the NFL, Jack Fox still managed to set an incredible record. The Lions punted only 45 times in 2024, but when they did, Fox was nothing short of extraordinary, averaging 46.2 net yards per punt. This not only led the league but also set a new NFL record, surpassing the previous mark of 46.0 yards set by Johnny Hekker of the Los Angeles Rams in 2016.
Fox also led the NFL with an impressive 51.0 gross yards per punt. However, it’s the net yards that truly highlight a punter’s skill, as it takes into account factors like hang time and directional accuracy, making punts more difficult to return.
A key factor in Fox’s success this season was the strategy of Lions coach Dan Campbell, who rarely asks his punter to work from plus territory. While some coaches may call for punts from inside the opponent’s 45-yard line, Campbell’s philosophy is clear: once the Lions cross the 50-yard line, they rarely punt.
Though Fox may not be the primary reason for the Lions’ success this season, his remarkable performance has certainly contributed to the team’s overall strength. For any coach, having a punter of Fox’s caliber is invaluable—even one like Campbell, who admittedly doesn’t enjoy punting much at all.
