With Matt Eberflus’ time as head coach of the chicago bears seemingly waning, fans are starting to think about possible heirs to his throne.

The Bears are in ruins. Between DJ Moore’s visible frustrationsTyrique Stevenson’s benching and Shane Waldron’s deficiencies as offensive coordinator is an absolute disaster in Chicago. But ultimately, as the head of the serpent, it all falls on Eberflus. If the team doesn’t right the ship soon, the front office will take matters into their own hands and look for someone else to lead them. And notably, they may not have to look far for the optimal replacement.

Detroit Lions Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be the top name of the next offseason coaching cycle. His play-calling acumen and innovative/aggressive scheme in a points-based league make him a coveted asset. Meanwhile, KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright predicts he would welcome the Bears if they were available, which would be a tremendous and noteworthy move for the Bears.

Johnson, 38, has been an NFL coach since 2012, starting as an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins. He joined Detroit’s staff in 2020 as a tight ends coach and eventually worked his way up to arguably the best coordinator in football.

Over the past few seasons, Detroit had one of the most potent, consistent, creative and aesthetically pleasing offensive units with Johnson at the helm. They ranked in the top five in yards and points in 2022 and 2023. This year, they are seventh in the former category and first in the latter, highlighting how effectively the Lions move the ball and score.

Poaching Johnson away from an NFC North rival would be a huge win for the Bears. Additionally, given their current roster construction and assertive bosses led by general manager Ryan Poles, Chicago is an attractive situation to take over.

Chicago has a presumptive franchise quarterback under center in 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, an elite trio of receivers. Additionally, they have a young, rising offensive line and a ferocious defense. So Johnson taking the opportunity to coach the Bears (if it presented itself) isn’t particularly shocking, considering he’ll presumably have his pick of the crop.

Following the New Orleans Saints fire Dennis AllenEberflus has the second shortest installment of being the next coach in the league to be fired. Saying the Bears’ bench general is on the way hot seat That might be an understatement, especially given what we’ve seen in recent weeks. Johnson becoming the eventual successor in Chicago may be the biggest improvement possible.