Thanksgiving Showdown: A Cornucopia of Coaching Talent
The annual Thanksgiving Day game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions isn't just a clash of two teams; it's a showcase of some of the NFL's most sought-after coaching and front-office talent. With a dozen individuals from both teams expected to lead their own groups soon, this game is more than just a football match; it's a potential recruiting event.
Detroit Lions: A Coaching Powerhouse
Let's start with the Detroit Lions, who boast an incredibly talented coaching staff. Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson is widely considered a top coaching prospect. His offense has consistently ranked among the top five in points and yards over the past three seasons, and currently holds the highest-scoring offense in the entire NFL. While Johnson has received numerous interview requests in previous years, he’s shown a preference for selective opportunities, prioritizing organizational stability over immediate financial gains. This approach suggests that he values the alignment of his career goals with those of the team rather than merely accepting the first offer that comes along.
Defensive Prowess and More
On the defensive side, Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, is another highly sought-after individual. He heads a unit currently ranked second-best in scoring defense, a remarkable feat given the team's considerable defensive injuries this season. Despite losing key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu, the Lions have demonstrated resilience, even managing to go 10 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown.
Should head coach Dan Campbell lose both his coordinators, he has capable internal replacements, including assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, offensive line coach Hank Fraley and even former NFL quarterback and current Lions QBs coach Mark Brunell. On the defensive side, Terrell Williams, the run game coordinator/defensive line coach, brings valuable experience from his time with the Tennessee Titans.
Detroit's Front Office: A Breeding Ground for Success
The Lions' front office is equally impressive, with General Manager Brad Holmes, a potential Executive of the Year candidate, leading the way. His assistant, Ray Agnew, is expected to receive GM interview requests, having helped build consecutive 10-win teams—a first in Lions history. Moreover, veteran John Dorsey and the unique COO Mike Disner represent seasoned individuals with combined football and business expertise who could be highly sought after.
Chicago Bears: A Potential Coaching Turnover?
While the future of Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus remains uncertain, his coaching staff has several highly regarded individuals poised for advancement. Eric Washington, the Bears' defensive coordinator, is well-respected around the league. Although Eberflus calls the defensive plays, Washington has successfully coordinated a defense that ranks eighth in the league in scoring. With prior experience as the Panthers' defensive coordinator and assistant head coach in Buffalo, Washington is a seasoned professional, bringing a vast array of experience to his role.
Offensive Resurgence and Black Representation
The Bears' offense has seen a significant uptick under Thomas Brown, the interim offensive coordinator. Since taking over, Brown has notably improved the team's big-play percentage and third-down conversion rate. Brown, who was a finalist for a head coaching job last year, is expected to be in demand for both head coach and offensive coordinator positions this year. This is especially pertinent given that this year marked the first time since 1988 that the NFL lacked a single Black offensive coordinator. The presence of Kerry Joseph, Bears' quarterbacks coach, further strengthens their coaching pool, adding to the already impressive pool of talent.
The Future is Now: A Feast for NFL Teams
The Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Bears and the Lions is more than just a game; it's a prime showcase of talent, poised to significantly impact the NFL's next hiring cycle. Teams in need of new leadership in coaching and front office positions would do well to pay close attention to this game, as it features individuals who could soon be reshaping their respective organizations. The abundance of talent suggests that this upcoming hiring season is likely to be highly competitive, with many teams vying for the opportunity to secure these exceptional individuals. The talent available in both the Lions and Bears organizations will be highly sought after and the level of competition for them will be intense.
Ben Johnson: The Bears' Next Head Coach?
Much of the pre-game discussion centers around Ben Johnson, the Lions' offensive coordinator, and the possibility of him becoming the Chicago Bears' next head coach. Johnson's impressive track record and the Bears' need for a new leader make this a very real possibility. His selective approach to past opportunities suggests he may be waiting for the right fit, and the Bears, with their promising young quarterback Caleb Williams, might be precisely that. While it remains uncertain whether the Bears will move on from Eberflus and whether Johnson would be interested in the intra-divisional matchup, the combination of factors makes this a captivating storyline to monitor during the game and beyond. The outcome of this game could very well determine the future of the Bears. The talent pool from this game alone could influence the direction of multiple NFL teams. There is so much talent in this Thanksgiving matchup that many teams will be watching attentively.
