***Chicago Bears Thread*** Ben Johnson hired. The Resurrection Begins! (3 Viewers)

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Really? Why?

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[InDitkaWeTrust]

Does this mean we're doing the speed dating coaching search again? Spend 2 minutes with 74 head coaching candidates and get to know exactly none of them. SMH.

 

[Max Power]

Really? Why?

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He'll also serve as the 3rd string emergency QB. That's bang for your coaching dollars.

 

[FairWarning]

We could have moved to 7, but are now at 10. Hopefully that little blip doesn't cost us a top offensive lineman.

Don't you worry. They will draft the best OT coming off a injury and move to G in the draft.

 

[General Malaise]

Mike McCarthy????

 

[metoo]

No Liam Coen?

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

No Liam Coen?

Honestly, I don't think Coen has the NFL experience that the front office is looking for. He really only has 4 years as a position coach or coordinator in the league.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

These idiots have known since Thanksgiving this search was coming. How have they not come up with 4-5 favorites??? So unfocused. More of the same garbage. I shouldn't be but I'm still in shock Poles was not fired today. Such a loser franchise. No interest in winning.

 

[3nOut]

These idiots have known since Thanksgiving this search was coming. How have they not come up with 4-5 favorites??? So unfocused. More of the same garbage. I shouldn't be but I'm still in shock Poles was not fired today. Such a loser franchise. No interest in winning.

The problem with cleaning house is that you would need to hire the GM before you can even begin to think about hiring a new HC. This would set them back at least a month and they’d risk losing out on all of the best HC candidates.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

These idiots have known since Thanksgiving this search was coming. How have they not come up with 4-5 favorites??? So unfocused. More of the same garbage. I shouldn't be but I'm still in shock Poles was not fired today. Such a loser franchise. No interest in winning.

The problem with cleaning house is that you would need to hire the GM before you can even begin to think about hiring a new HC. This would set them back at least a month and they’d risk losing out on all of the best HC candidates.

But this happens all the time and teams manage it. That is an AWFUL reason to keep an incompetent general manager.

 

[Max Power]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

 

[Max Power]

Also listening to the ChatSports bears guy on my way to work, he makes a compelling case for why Tevin Jenkins is gone.

Jenkins has already mentioned wanting a "fresh start" and it only takes one team to reach for his potential. When Jenkins is healthy and turned on, he's a very good IOL. The problem is that the Bears won't pay him for his potential. They have to pay him as a guy who started 38 games in 4 years (68 games).

Personally, I'd resign him at the right price, but I'm ok letting him go if there is a quality plan to replace him (Trey Smith)

 

[Deranged Hermit]

My hope is that an offensive minded guy sees the core of Caleb, DJ, Odunze, Swift and Roschon and thinks 'yeah, I can work with this'. Certainly more attractive than NE, NO, and the NYJ. JAX is the wildcard though since they have a decent core of skill players as well.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

 

[nirad3]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

I would love for Vrabel to happen, but after seeing that blob Robert Kraft kick Jerod Mayo to the curb, one would have to expect that Vrabel is headed up to Foxborough.

 

[Dizzy]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

I would love for Vrabel to happen, but after seeing that blob Robert Kraft kick Jerod Mayo to the curb, one would have to expect that Vrabel is headed up to Foxborough.

I see Johnson stated he is interested in New England. Maybe Vrabel shifts towards Dallas (they officially have a HC opening starting tomorrow).

 

[nirad3]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

I would love for Vrabel to happen, but after seeing that blob Robert Kraft kick Jerod Mayo to the curb, one would have to expect that Vrabel is headed up to Foxborough.

I see Johnson stated he is interested in New England. Maybe Vrabel shifts towards Dallas (they officially have a HC opening starting tomorrow).

Ben Johnson? I didn't see that. That would be quite a challenge for him considering they pretty much ONLY have the QB piece and not much else to work with offensively.

Now... would Johnson stay in-division and come to the Bears? As someone noted upthread, there sure would be a lot for him to work with offensively with Caleb, Odunze (and Allen for a couple more years?), Swift, Kmet, etc.

 

[Dizzy]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

I would love for Vrabel to happen, but after seeing that blob Robert Kraft kick Jerod Mayo to the curb, one would have to expect that Vrabel is headed up to Foxborough.

I see Johnson stated he is interested in New England. Maybe Vrabel shifts towards Dallas (they officially have a HC opening starting tomorrow).

Ben Johnson? I didn't see that. That would be quite a challenge for him considering they pretty much ONLY have the QB piece and not much else to work with offensively.

Now... would Johnson stay in-division and come to the Bears? As someone noted upthread, there sure would be a lot for him to work with offensively with Caleb, Odunze (and Allen for a couple more years?), Swift, Kmet, etc.

He likes that QB + 130 million cap space.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

The DeMarcus Walker quote on Vrabel speaks volumes about how screwed up the Bears are.

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

Vrabel interview is tomorrow. Crossing my fingers on him.

I would love for Vrabel to happen, but after seeing that blob Robert Kraft kick Jerod Mayo to the curb, one would have to expect that Vrabel is headed up to Foxborough.

I see Johnson stated he is interested in New England. Maybe Vrabel shifts towards Dallas (they officially have a HC opening starting tomorrow).

Ben Johnson? I didn't see that. That would be quite a challenge for him considering they pretty much ONLY have the QB piece and not much else to work with offensively.

Now... would Johnson stay in-division and come to the Bears? As someone noted upthread, there sure would be a lot for him to work with offensively with Caleb, Odunze (and Allen for a couple more years?), Swift, Kmet, etc.

I don't think there is a perfect situation for Johnson. I know I'm biased, but Chicago is as ready made a situation as you can get. Young skill players. Decent defense. Lots of cap space.
True, the o line needs to be rebuilt. The defensive line is below average. Still, they're closer than the other teams with HC openings.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Great reaction by Bernstein here...

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[fatness]

Pete Carroll's coming in to interview on Thursday.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Pete Carroll's coming in to interview on Thursday.

I was reading the article and I saw Monken was coming in too for an interview. I didn't know that. He intrigues me a little.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Pete Carroll's coming in to interview on Thursday.

I was reading the article and I saw Monken was coming in too for an interview. I didn't know that. He intrigues me a little.

Not interested. He's had less than 5 years experience at OC and 3 at HC (at the college level). Really, his only success has been with Georgia (as OC) in 21, 22 and the Ravens in 23 and 24 and I'm not sure I'd call the Ravens 23/24 offense innovative.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Pete Carroll's coming in to interview on Thursday.

I was reading the article and I saw Monken was coming in too for an interview. I didn't know that. He intrigues me a little.

Not interested. He's had less than 5 years experience at OC and 3 at HC (at the college level). Really, his only success has been with Georgia (as OC) in 21, 22 and the Ravens in 23 and 24 and I'm not sure I'd call the Ravens 23/24 offense innovative.

Oh, I'd rather have Ben Johnson, Vrabel or Brady. Heck, probably even Carroll. I get a bad feeling that we're not getting our first choices.

 

[GrantK]

I get a bad feeling that we're not getting our first choices.

Of course, the Bears won't get a first-rate coach, especially if anyone with the name McCaskey is involved. One of the founding teams rich in heritage circling the toilet bowl year after year reminds me of the Wrigley-owned Cubs. Sign a free agent or two, keep the stands full, lather, rinse, repeat. Heck, look at all of the major Chicago sports franchises these days—pathetic!

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

 

[Chreesto]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

 

[calcinorjones]

This leader of men priority is quite interesting. Not sure where this came from but its sticking like the setup to a bad ending. Like that Hail Mary in Washington or that clock management snafu in Detroit. These “men” are supposed to be professionals and they get paid as such to be professionals. They should have a process in place at the leadership level to hold professionals accountable to the team culture and the team’s objectives. Sadly, no one at the top is ever held accountable. There is no leader of McCasky men. It’s Virginia and the silver spoons.

The clock is ticking on 40 years with nothing in the trophy case of significance. I am very close to being convinced that this organization can give a rip about winning if the insane checks keep rolling in. The organization is valued at $6.4B.

Everything they have done for the fans has been mostly lousy. Everything they have done for themselves has been golden. You would think they would break a leg getting Johnson or Vrabel on board to be the leader of men. Not the case. Maybe a miracle materializes.

Regardless, what happens when the leader of men hits 7 wins next year and the reason why is the leader of men needed a year to clean out the men that don’t care about winning? This is the cycle. Sadly this is how the current leader of men aka GM thinks: Leader of Men Strategy.

Outsmarting the league again …

 

[nirad3]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

 

[Chreesto]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

I always hear about the "Kingsbury Cliff", referring to the ability for teams to figure out his offense by the middle of the season. That said, he has done a great job with Daniels. If the head coach is Vrabel or Johnson I will feel pretty good about the Bears' chances. Those two coaches seem like option 1 and 1a, where the odds of success are very similar, but the approaches are very different. Offensive wunderkind or 6'5" Alpha coach.

 

[calcinorjones]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

Has solid potential but I can see them keeping Brown as OC as a reward for holding down the fort between now and when the leader of men emerges. They will tell the fanbase that they are close and the win in GBay vs their hated rival in addition to losing very winnable games because they didn’t have a leader of men in place

 

[Chreesto]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

Has solid potential but I can see them keeping Brown as OC as a reward for holding down the fort between now and when the leader of men emerges. They will tell the fanbase that they are close and the win in GBay vs their hated rival in addition to losing very winnable games because they didn’t have a leader of men in place

If Brown has his own offensive system, I wouldn't hate pairing him with Vrabel. It is very hard to judge his time as OC because he was still running Waldron's system. No time for a clean install in the middle of the season.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

I always hear about the "Kingsbury Cliff", referring to the ability for teams to figure out his offense by the middle of the season. That said, he has done a great job with Daniels. If the head coach is Vrabel or Johnson I will feel pretty good about the Bears' chances. Those two coaches seem like option 1 and 1a, where the odds of success are very similar, but the approaches are very different. Offensive wunderkind or 6'5" Alpha coach.

No way the front office pays a high salary HC like Vrabel of Johnson and also pays a premium for a guy like Kingsbury at OC.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

Has solid potential but I can see them keeping Brown as OC as a reward for holding down the fort between now and when the leader of men emerges. They will tell the fanbase that they are close and the win in GBay vs their hated rival in addition to losing very winnable games because they didn’t have a leader of men in place

The new coach should get to pick his staff.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

Can't imagine he'd leave Daniels for the same position in Chicago.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

I like where you're at here. But I'll say that you get Vrabel only if he realizes his OC needs to prioritize getting the most out of Caleb and realizing we don't have and never will have a Derrick Henry to lead our offense.

Where would you stand on a situation where Vrabel was the HC and then they brought in Kingsbury to reunite with Caleb as the OC? I think that could work out.

Can't imagine he'd leave Daniels for the same position in Chicago.

Yeah, he's not leaving unless it's for a head coaching job.

 

[rschroeder1]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

With all due respect, I think this "leader of men" thing is getting totally off track.

The three head coaches in the NFC North are all offense guys. All three teams have functional offenses, yes, but in general you would describe the Lions, Packers and Vikings as highly organized teams. It is fair to acknowledge the Packers have had special teams issues over the years.

This "leader of men" talk from the Bears' front office sounds much more like a refusal to acknowledge their own responsibility for the mess that is the Bears. This is the second straight year where Bears' players have publicly called out coaches for poor coaching. Players even tried to get Williams benched to protect him from the coaches!

Citing the Bears' problems as a discipline issue does not strike me as accurate.

 

[Chreesto]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

With all due respect, I think this "leader of men" thing is getting totally off track.

The three head coaches in the NFC North are all offense guys. All three teams have functional offenses, yes, but in general you would describe the Lions, Packers and Vikings as highly organized teams. It is fair to acknowledge the Packers have had special teams issues over the years.

This "leader of men" talk from the Bears' front office sounds much more like a refusal to acknowledge their own responsibility for the mess that is the Bears. This is the second straight year where Bears' players have publicly called out coaches for poor coaching. Players even tried to get Williams benched to protect him from the coaches!

Citing the Bears' problems as a discipline issue does not strike me as accurate.

Both Byard and Walker, when asked about Vrabel, brought up the discipline point. My post above was addressing Walker's response directly. Here is Walker's quote:

“A lot of bull— is going to be cut out," Walker said. "I’m sorry, but that’s true. Discipline will be laid right down from the first day. A lot of those small things that we were doing and got away with, that won’t happen. Just from my personal experience.”

From that quote alone it certainly seems like discipline was an issue. There have been other hints, for example, Marcedes Lewis and a couple other players going to the coaches and asking to be coached harder.

Team discipline is a thing. Certainly Belichick kept his teams on one end of the spectrum and maybe a coach like Kingsbury in Arizona is on the other.
For the sake of this conversation I am assuming two things:
1) if the players bring it up, it is a real issue
2) if the players who played for him say that Vrabel would run a tighter ship (remember Vrabel played for belichick), then he actually would.

All of that is to say that, were Vrabel selected, I think the team would be much better than under Eberflus. My preference, however, is still for Ben Johnson.

 

[calcinorjones]

Just from hearing the players this last month basically beg for discipline and accountability, hiring one of these young, player friendly coaches is probably not the right move. This team needs Vrabel in the worst way.

I have been thinking more and more about how Ben Johnson has a high risk of failing as the head coach of the Bears. There are very few offensive-minded disciplinarian coaches, most of the "leader of men" types come from the defensive side of the ball. It makes passing on Harbaugh (the rare offensive disciplinarian) an even more egregious mistake, in my mind anyway. That leads me to imagine a future with Vrabel as the head coach of the Bears and I like it - a lot. It is easy to imagine him as the figurehead of a team that, by virtue of his leadership and gravitas, always plays hard and competes; a Mike Tomlin of the NFC North. That is a tempting vision. The conundrum is this - what is the main thing? Is it being competitive or winning a Superbowl? Is it discipline or is it Caleb? I can see an argument for both, but I think, for a Superbowl, Caleb is the main thing. If Ben Johnson can develop him by scheming him to success and building better habits, I think that is worth having a less-disciplined team - even if it means the rookie-contract-Caleb Bears don't experience peak success. If we get Caleb to the elite-Qb level, he could be there for the next 10+ years and the coach after Ben Johnson can be the disciplinarian, who can build a team with the most important position functioning at its highest level. Looking at the teams in the playoffs this year, it is really tough to argue that having a top-level quarterback isn't the most important key to success in today's NFL. We have the clay for that with Caleb, we just need the right guy to shape him. Swing for the fences, write Ben Johnson a blank check.

With all due respect, I think this "leader of men" thing is getting totally off track.

The three head coaches in the NFC North are all offense guys. All three teams have functional offenses, yes, but in general you would describe the Lions, Packers and Vikings as highly organized teams. It is fair to acknowledge the Packers have had special teams issues over the years.

This "leader of men" talk from the Bears' front office sounds much more like a refusal to acknowledge their own responsibility for the mess that is the Bears. This is the second straight year where Bears' players have publicly called out coaches for poor coaching. Players even tried to get Williams benched to protect him from the coaches!

Citing the Bears' problems as a discipline issue does not strike me as accurate.

Spot on. They don’t want to spend the money or the McCasky clan is controlling the decision process. Players want to win. Not trying to take this into a rabbit hole but I can’t help but to notice that its like failure by design. This goes back to the concept of the Bears selling tradition to drive gate sales and merchandising. They always have a few players of significance to sell the fans on as “promise” but always come up empty. This hire is absolutely crucial and cannot be botched. They have had more time than the other teams needing a HC to shut the door and be fully converged on a short list of who they want. Every serious Bear fan I know wants one of two guys. Johnson or Vrabel.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Matt Campbell, the Iowa State coach is scheduled for an interview.

I don't follow college football too closely, so I don't know much about him.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Ben Johnson interview list seems set.

Chicago
Vegas
NE
Jacks

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Matt Campbell, the Iowa State coach is scheduled for an interview.

I don't follow college football too closely, so I don't know much about him.

Holy crap WHY?? I feel like we're being pranked.

 

[General Malaise]

Matt Campbell, the Iowa State coach is scheduled for an interview.

I don't follow college football too closely, so I don't know much about him.

Holy crap WHY?? I feel like we're being pranked.

Wouldn't you rather take a chance on a proven HEAD coach vs another unproven coordinator with no head coaching experience? I get that he's a college coach, but he's done more with less than just about any college coach in the country.


Or, sure, go hire another Peter Principle person since that's worked out so well. Mark Trestman is free I'm told.

 

[General Malaise]

Matt Campbell, the Iowa State coach is scheduled for an interview.

I don't follow college football too closely, so I don't know much about him.

Teeth of an English tugboat operator but has done more with less than any college coach in the country.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Matt Campbell, the Iowa State coach is scheduled for an interview.

I don't follow college football too closely, so I don't know much about him.

Holy crap WHY?? I feel like we're being pranked.

Wouldn't you rather take a chance on a proven HEAD coach vs another unproven coordinator with no head coaching experience? I get that he's a college coach, but he's done more with less than just about any college coach in the country.


Or, sure, go hire another Peter Principle person since that's worked out so well. Mark Trestman is free I'm told.

Vrabel is my top choice.

 

[travdogg]

I think Monken is probably my favorite candidate. I mean, there's Ben Johnson too, but he'll have his pick. I think the Bears would be making a huge mistake not hiring an offensive guy.

I don't love Vrabel (more indifference than dislike) and have negative interest in Flores (who I don't think is a head coach at all) and Carroll.

I think its probably too soon for Joe Brady to be a HC.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I think Monken is probably my favorite candidate. I mean, there's Ben Johnson too, but he'll have his pick. I think the Bears would be making a huge mistake not hiring an offensive guy.

I don't love Vrabel (more indifference than dislike) and have negative interest in Flores (who I don't think is a head coach at all) and Carroll.

I think its probably too soon for Joe Brady to be a HC.

Out of curiosity, what makes you high on Monken? I don't love his body of experience, especially at HC. His only real success has been as OC at Georgia and 23/24 with the Ravens. At 58, you'd think someone who has HC aspirations at the NFL level would have had more interest.

 

[rschroeder1]

I think Monken is probably my favorite candidate. I mean, there's Ben Johnson too, but he'll have his pick. I think the Bears would be making a huge mistake not hiring an offensive guy.

I don't love Vrabel (more indifference than dislike) and have negative interest in Flores (who I don't think is a head coach at all) and Carroll.

I think its probably too soon for Joe Brady to be a HC.

Out of curiosity, what makes you high on Monken? I don't love his body of experience, especially at HC. His only real success has been as OC at Georgia and 23/24 with the Ravens. At 58, you'd think someone who has HC aspirations at the NFL level would have had more interest.

You're not necessarily wrong, but groupthink is strong in NFL coaching searches. Most teams interview the same candidates, and the usual candidates get recycled over the span of a few years.

Likewise, the reality is that most first-time coach hires fail, so it's hard to say there's an exact science to this anyways.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

I think Monken is probably my favorite candidate. I mean, there's Ben Johnson too, but he'll have his pick. I think the Bears would be making a huge mistake not hiring an offensive guy.

I don't love Vrabel (more indifference than dislike) and have negative interest in Flores (who I don't think is a head coach at all) and Carroll.

I think its probably too soon for Joe Brady to be a HC.

Out of curiosity, what makes you high on Monken? I don't love his body of experience, especially at HC. His only real success has been as OC at Georgia and 23/24 with the Ravens. At 58, you'd think someone who has HC aspirations at the NFL level would have had more interest.

You're not necessarily wrong, but groupthink is strong in NFL coaching searches. Most teams interview the same candidates, and the usual candidates get recycled over the span of a few years.

Likewise, the reality is that most first-time coach hires fail, so it's hard to say there's an exact science to this anyways.

Don't know a ton about Monken, but I'll say this.... Lamar has never looked better than he has playing for him.