Mark Potash

In desperate need of a home run, Bears general manager Ryan Poles took a big swing and hired the hottest coordinator available. Now Johnson has to prove he'll be as good with the Bears as he was with the Lions.

The hot coordinators who have staying power as a head coach — Shanahan, McVay, Sirianni, LaFleur — have one thing in common: They do what they do best and build a productive offense. Everything else seems to fall into place after that.

The hot coordinators who have staying power as head coaches — Shanahan, McVay, Sirianni, LaFleur — have one thing in common: They do what they do best and build productive offenses.

Sticking with Matt Eberflus last year was a mistake that could have cost the Bears general manager his job. Instead it put the Bears in position to hire the top candidate in the 2025 cycle. After a rough year, Poles is trending up again.

The Bears acquired a top-notch coach to nurture Caleb Williams and boost the offense. And the Lions have lost not only Johnson, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was hired as the Jets' head coach.

The NFC Championship Game solidly tilts in favor of the Eagles — on paper. In the AFC, the Patrick Mahomes factor always looms large in big games.

Every Bears coach since Lovie Smith has come in with confidence and high hopes, only to leave as a lesser version of himself. With a strong resume and QB Caleb Williams to work with, Johnson is the best chance yet to break that cycle.

Sticking with Matt Eberflus last year was a mistake that could have cost the Bears' general manager his job.

The Sun-Times’ Bears experts — Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser and Mark Potash — break down the team's offseason.

As offensive coordinator, Doyle's job will be to make Johnson's job easier. “I have to do that work that he's not gonna have time to do, and he's going to have to be able to trust me that I'm gonna give him the correct information he needs.”