It sounds like Ben Johnson is open to working with Ryan Poles, which could have long-term implications for the Bears' GM.

On Monday morning, the Chicago Bears made a formal request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Bears made other requests to interview several head-coaching candidates, including Mike McCarthy and Arthur Smith.

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars may have excused themselves from the Ben Johnson sweepstakes, Chicago might have some stiff competition for the right to hire the Detroit offensive coordinator as its next head coach with the New England Patriots apparently emerging as strong competitors.