While individuals like Matt Campbell, Kilff Kingsbury, and more were linked to the vacancy in Chicago, the team announced their intention to go in a different direction on Monday.
First reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Bears agreed to terms with Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the team’s next head coach.
In 2024, Johnson led the Lions to the top seed in the NFC before an early exit in the Divisional Round with an upset loss to the Washington Commanders. He led the NFL’s second-best offense, with 409.5 yards per game (2nd), 263.2 passing yards (2nd), 146.6 rushing yards (6th), and 33.2 points per game (1st).
According to a report from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell was expected to interview for the head coaching vacancy with the Chicago Bears. He was receiving the eighth-best odds from BetOnline to take over as the next head coach in Chicago.
While Iowa State fans are out of the woods with Campbell potentially joining the Bears, the opening in Chicago wasn’t the only NFL connection to consider for the Iowa State head coach. Campbell is also receiving the 21st-best odds to be named the next head coach of the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys, though interest from either side has not been shared.
Related: Matt Campbell Receiving Odds for Multiple NFL Jobs
Regardless, Campbell remains a desired option in the eyes of NFL executives due to his work as the winningest head coach in Iowa State football history. In 2024, he led the team to 11 wins, the most in the program’s 133-year history. He also became Iowa State’s winningest head coach in just nine seasons at the helm with a career record of 64-51.
