While the New Orleans Saints are still searching for the franchise’s next head coach, the Chicago Bears have landed former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. After Detroit’s surprising departure from the playoffs, it was inevitable that Johnson would choose his next coaching destination. The Bears always seemed to be the leader for his signature, but the Raiders were also in the mix. Now, with Ben Johnson hired as head coach, the next step is finding new coordinators, and two former Saints coaches seemed to be top options for the Bears. Per Adam Schefter, former Saints head coach Dennis Allen, and former Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi, are targets of the Chicago Bears.
Bears also are heavily pursuing former Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi as their special teams coach, per sources. He has interest from over a half-dozen teams but if Rizzi doesn’t land a head coaching job, Chicago is his potential landing spot. https://t.co/ErIQmZ3te9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
It is not surprising that both of these former Saints coaches are popular names heading into the offseason. Dennis Allen has already been targeted for the Colts defensive coordinator position this cycle, but the Bears may be the most tempting job currently available. The defense has talent, and Ben Johnson should allow DA full autonomy over the defense.
Darren Rizzi is currently still a head coach candidate for the Saints and Jets. and as Adam Schefter noted, he will need to miss out on all HC opportunities for this to be a possibility. This is a likely outcome due to the Jets potentially being in the lead for Aaron Glenn and the Saints now having an open path for Mike McCarthy. The Chicago Bears could now be a massive threat in the NFC, and next season, the Saints will face off against this new coaching staff.
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