The Colts hired Lou Anarumo, while Dennis Allen, who interviewed with Indianapolis, may be heading to the Bears.

Former Saints head coach Dennis Allen has emerged as a leading candidate to become the Bears’ next defensive coordinator on new head coach Ben Johnson’s staff.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Bears finalized a deal to hire Ben Johnson -- the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator -- as the franchise's 18th head coach on Monday, working fast to secure their top candidate amid interest from other teams looking to fill positions.

The Chicago Bears are in the early stages of their head coaching interview process. The Bears are holding virtual meetings with candidates this week. The Bears have several people on their radar that are in the NFL playoffs.

ESPN reports ex-New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen could team up with new Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson:

Ben Johnson is set to be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, and he is already assembling his staff with some familiar faces in mind. Johnson is looking to hire former New O

Because Pleasant is under contract with the Rams, the Bears will need permission from head coach Sean McVay to interview him for their vacancy. That said, McVay has already allowed Pleasant to leave for another job in the past and could give him the chance again.

Ben Johnson is already assembling a superstar coaching staff, including this defensive coordinator, as he finalizes his deal to become the Bears' next coach.

The news of Ben Johnson’s arrival was greeted with excitement from many Chicago Bears fans — plus a bit of understandable skepticism from others.

Chicago Bears’ newest head coach, Ben Johnson, is already trying to add two new coaches to his staff. The Windy City franchise hired the Lions’ offensive coordinator just a few hours ago, as quarterback Caleb Williams and company look to be much more competitive in a stacked NFC North Conference.

New Bears coach Ben Johnson realizes it won't hurt to add coaches who have been around the track a few times to complement his own relative inexperience.