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.

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

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.

With their win over the Minnesota Vikings in week 18, the Lions have secured the number one seed in the NFC, home-field advantage and a first-round bye. Now, Detroit will look ahead to who they will play in the Divisional Round next week.

The Lions have done it. Detroit won the NFC and is the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs after beating the Vikings on Sunday night. Thomas Cook has a full recap from Ford Field.