The interview was scheduled for Jan. 11. The Detroit Lions were deep into their postseason bye week and still awaiting their divisional-round opponent. But offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was multitasking.

Ben Johnson couldn't pass on the opportunity he has with the Chicago Bears. His first head coaching job is a big one.

The Bears had targeted Johnson as their top candidate since firing head coach Matt Eberflus the day after Thanksgiving. They were convinced that his play-calling acumen and leadership skills were a perfect pairing with quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the Bears’ roster.