Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions will become the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, coaching changes can be both a signal of hope and a point of contention for fans. The Chicago Bears, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL, have been undergoing a period of transition in recent years. After a string of underperforming seasons, the team’s front office set out to find a new leader to take the Bears back to prominence. The hiring of Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, as their new head coach marks a monumental shift for the team. This decision has sent waves of shock through the NFL community, and many are eager to understand what Johnson’s leadership will mean for the future of the Chicago Bears.

This move could not have come at a more critical time for the Bears. The team is sitting on a young and talented roster, led by quarterback Justin Fields, but has struggled to find consistent success in recent years. With Fields still developing as a passer, and the Bears coming off another disappointing season, the team desperately needed a coach who could develop an offense and guide the franchise back to relevance. Johnson, with his innovative offensive schemes and strong reputation as a quarterback developer, represents a potential game-changer for the Bears.

Ben Johnson’s Rise in the NFL

Before diving into what Johnson will bring to the Bears, it’s important to understand how he has arrived at this point in his career. Johnson’s football journey began with his work as a quarterbacks coach in the college ranks, followed by time in the NFL as a position coach for the Miami Dolphins. However, it was his time with the Detroit Lions that truly put him on the map.

When Johnson joined the Lions in 2021 as the offensive coordinator, the franchise was in the midst of a rebuild. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions were looking to create a new identity, and much of the focus was on developing a dynamic offense. In just two seasons, Johnson transformed the Lions’ offense from one of the least productive in the league to one of the most potent.

One of Johnson’s most notable achievements was his work with Jared Goff, the veteran quarterback who had struggled in his previous seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff had one of his most productive seasons in recent years, throwing for over 4,500 yards and leading the Lions to a top-10 offense in 2024. Johnson’s ability to design plays that maximized Goff’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses is a testament to his coaching prowess.

Additionally, Johnson was instrumental in the development of the Lions’ running game. Running backs Jamaal Williams and DeAndre Swift flourished in Johnson’s system, helping the Lions achieve balance and make their offense unpredictable. By integrating the passing and running game so effectively, Johnson’s offense became difficult to defend, and the Lions quickly became one of the most exciting teams in the NFC.

What Johnson Will Bring to the Chicago Bears

With the Chicago Bears coming off a season in which they finished near the bottom of the NFL in offensive production, the hiring of Ben Johnson could not come soon enough. Fields, the Bears’ dynamic quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance but still has a long way to go in terms of becoming a consistent and reliable passer. Enter Johnson, who brings an offensive philosophy that could unlock Fields’ potential and reshape the Bears’ attack.

Quarterback Development

Perhaps Johnson’s most important contribution to the Bears will be his ability to develop Justin Fields. Fields has been hailed as a talented quarterback, with a rare combination of arm strength, mobility, and athleticism. However, his inconsistency as a passer has led to mixed results during his first two seasons. While he has been effective with his legs and shown the ability to make big plays, Fields has yet to fully tap into his potential as a quarterback in the traditional sense.

Johnson’s success in helping Goff rebound and thrive in his new system should give Bears fans optimism about Fields’ future under Johnson’s tutelage. Johnson is known for his ability to simplify the quarterback’s responsibilities while also pushing them to take advantage of their physical gifts. For Fields, this means having a coach who can design plays that take advantage of his mobility and deep ball accuracy while also refining his mechanics, decision-making, and short-to-intermediate passing game.

One of Johnson’s key strengths is his ability to build an offense around the quarterback’s strengths. In Detroit, he utilized a lot of play-action and misdirection to make life easier for Goff, creating passing lanes and reducing pressure on the quarterback. For Fields, this could mean an offense built around moving the pocket, using bootlegs, and employing more spread concepts that allow him to read defenses more quickly. Johnson’s system will likely help Fields become a more effective passer while still allowing him to utilize his running ability as an additional weapon.

A Balanced Offensive Attack

Johnson’s ability to create a balanced offense is another crucial element he will bring to the Bears. Over the last few seasons, the Bears have often been one-dimensional, relying heavily on Fields’ running ability while struggling to establish a consistent passing game. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears will likely see a more diversified attack, one that combines both a strong ground game and a dynamic passing attack.

As evidenced by his work with the Lions, Johnson excels at creating a balanced offensive scheme that keeps defenses guessing. In Detroit, he helped create a top-tier rushing attack with Williams and Swift, while also designing a potent passing game that featured weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Johnson’s ability to balance the run and pass game not only makes the offense more effective but also helps keep defenses off balance. The Bears, who have a solid group of running backs including Khalil Herbert and Roshon Johnson, can expect an offensive system that utilizes the ground game as a foundation, opening up play-action opportunities and establishing a rhythm that can wear down defenses.

Moreover, Johnson’s offensive schemes are built on creativity and unpredictability. The Bears will likely see more motion, creative formations, and play-action, all designed to make the offense harder to defend. With Fields’ ability to execute these types of plays, Chicago could become a more difficult team to defend, especially as the offense begins to gel under Johnson’s direction.

Strengthening the Offensive Line

While Johnson is primarily known for his work with quarterbacks and offensive schemes, another key area where he will impact the Bears is the offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line has been one of the weakest units in the league in recent years, and it has struggled to protect Fields and open up running lanes for their backs. Johnson’s ability to design quick-hitting passing concepts and utilize motion to create mismatches should help alleviate some of the pressure on the offensive line. However, the long-term success of the offense will also depend on the development and improvement of the line itself.

Johnson has worked with offensive lines in the past, and his knowledge of how to help them succeed will be important for the Bears moving forward. He is likely to emphasize the importance of quick, efficient passing that limits the amount of time Fields needs to hold onto the ball. Additionally, Johnson may work to develop more creative running schemes that leverage the offensive line’s strengths, helping to establish a more physical presence in the trenches.

Establishing a Winning Culture

Ben Johnson’s hiring also signals a shift in the culture of the Chicago Bears. Johnson is known for being a high-energy, positive leader who fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability. His ability to connect with players, particularly his quarterbacks, has made him a popular figure in the locker room, and it’s a trait that will be crucial in turning around a Bears team that has struggled with consistency and leadership in recent years.

The Bears have a young and talented roster, but they need someone who can inspire them to reach their full potential. Johnson’s leadership style, which emphasizes teamwork, communication, and development, will be key in creating an environment where players can thrive. As he instills his offensive philosophy, Johnson will also work to build a team-first mentality that holds players accountable for their individual performances while fostering a sense of unity across the locker room.