Ben Johnson: The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator will be named the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.

In an era where offensive prowess can determine the trajectory of an NFL team, the Chicago Bears have made a bold decision in their search for a new head coach. After a disappointing 2024 season, where they again struggled to find consistency and a solid offensive identity, the Bears have turned their attention to a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks: Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.

Johnson’s hiring signals a new direction for the Bears, a team in desperate need of revitalizing its offensive attack and developing its young quarterback, Justin Fields. Under the tutelage of Johnson, the Lions’ offense transformed into one of the most dynamic and innovative units in the NFL. His ability to mold quarterbacks, create a balanced offensive scheme, and deliver when it mattered most has made him one of the hottest commodities on the coaching market. For the Bears, this is not just a coaching change—it’s a gamble on a coach with a proven track record of success, especially in areas where the Bears have struggled mightily.

As Johnson’s time with the Lions comes to a close, all eyes are on the Bears as they prepare to embark on a new era with a coach who is ready to make his mark on the NFL. But what exactly makes Ben Johnson the right fit for this job, and how will his hiring affect the future of the Chicago Bears?

Ben Johnson’s Journey to Prominence

Before diving into what Johnson brings to the Bears, it’s important to understand how he ascended to the position of offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, and why he has garnered such significant attention in the coaching world.

Johnson’s career began in the college ranks, where he worked as a quarterbacks coach for several teams, including Boston College. His ability to develop quarterbacks and run successful offensive schemes caught the attention of NFL teams, eventually leading him to the Miami Dolphins in 2018. During his time with the Dolphins, he gained valuable experience as a position coach, working with wide receivers and quarterbacks.

However, it was his move to the Detroit Lions that truly elevated his profile. When the Lions hired Dan Campbell as head coach in 2021, Johnson was brought on as the offensive coordinator, and he quickly became a key figure in the team’s development. The Lions, who had been struggling to find consistency on offense, saw a marked improvement under Johnson’s leadership.

In just a short time, he transformed a lackluster offense into a highly effective unit, with a focus on building balance, creativity, and adaptability. He took quarterback Jared Goff, who had struggled with consistency in previous years, and turned him into a productive signal-caller, guiding the offense to one of the highest-scoring units in the NFC. Johnson’s ability to mix up play designs, run the ball effectively, and create favorable matchups for his quarterbacks made him one of the brightest young minds in football.

In 2024, the Lions finished the season with a top-10 offense, averaging over 380 yards per game. They became known for their versatility, with an offense that could attack defenses in multiple ways. The Lions’ ability to execute play-action, utilize motion, and run a dynamic passing game helped them finish 11-6, clinching a playoff spot and becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.

Why the Bears?

Given his success in Detroit, it’s no surprise that Johnson’s name was floated in connection with several head coaching vacancies around the league. However, the Chicago Bears have proven to be a particularly intriguing destination. For a team that has struggled to find an identity on offense and develop young quarterbacks, Johnson represents the ideal candidate to help the team get back on track.

The Bears’ offense has long been one of the least effective in the league. Despite having a talented and mobile quarterback in Justin Fields, the team has struggled to build around him, often relying too heavily on his running ability and not providing him with a solid supporting cast in terms of offensive line play, receiving threats, or a cohesive system. The Bears need a coach who can develop Fields as a passer, help him make better decisions, and design an offense that takes full advantage of his athleticism and skill set.

This is where Ben Johnson comes in. His ability to develop quarterbacks and design complex but efficient offensive systems is precisely what the Bears need. Johnson’s time in Detroit demonstrated his success in making the most of a quarterback’s strengths while developing a system that is adaptable and multifaceted. Fields, who has struggled with consistency as a passer, will benefit from Johnson’s expertise in simplifying progressions, improving mechanics, and creating plays that cater to his strengths as both a passer and a runner.

Moreover, Johnson’s ability to integrate a strong running game and use it as a foundation for his offense will be critical for the Bears, who have a promising group of running backs, including David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. By integrating a run-heavy attack with a dynamic passing game, Johnson can create a balanced offense that is both unpredictable and difficult to defend.

The Bears’ front office, which has shown a commitment to rebuilding and investing in their future, likely sees Johnson as the coach who can put all of these pieces together. With Fields at the helm, the team’s young core, and a renewed emphasis on offensive creativity, the Bears are hoping to build something special under Johnson’s leadership.

What Ben Johnson Will Bring to the Bears

Quarterback Development

As mentioned earlier, one of Johnson’s standout traits is his ability to develop quarterbacks. Fields, as a young and talented player, has shown flashes of greatness, particularly with his mobility and arm strength. However, he has struggled with consistency and decision-making, making him an ideal candidate for Johnson to work with.

Johnson’s success with Jared Goff in Detroit is a testament to his ability to take a quarterback with perceived limitations and elevate their play. Goff, once seen as a player who might be on the decline after his time with the Los Angeles Rams, flourished under Johnson’s system. By simplifying Goff’s reads, building an offense around his strengths, and focusing on the short and intermediate game, Johnson was able to get the best out of him.

For Fields, Johnson will likely take a similar approach, tailoring the offense to his skill set while working to improve his consistency as a passer. Johnson’s experience with quarterbacks of all skill levels will allow him to be patient and precise in his approach, giving Fields the time and resources he needs to grow into the type of quarterback the Bears envision.

A Balanced Offensive Scheme

Another strength of Ben Johnson is his ability to create a balanced offense that keeps defenses guessing. In Detroit, he developed a scheme that integrated both the running and passing game seamlessly. With players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs excelling in his system, Johnson made sure that the offense wasn’t predictable or one-dimensional.

For the Bears, this approach will be critical. While Fields is a talented quarterback, he’s still developing, and having a strong running game will help take pressure off him. The Bears have a good group of running backs, and with Johnson’s guidance, they could develop into one of the league’s best backfields. By using motion, play-action, and a creative approach to the ground game, Johnson will help ensure that the Bears’ offense is diverse and difficult for opposing defenses to scheme against.

Creative Playcalling and Game Management

One of the hallmarks of Ben Johnson’s success in Detroit has been his ability to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to offensive creativity. Whether it’s through motion, misdirection, or utilizing creative formations, Johnson’s playcalling is both unpredictable and effective. This unpredictability will be invaluable for the Bears, who have often been too predictable on offense in recent years.

Additionally, Johnson’s game management skills have been impressive. His ability to make adjustments, manage the clock, and read the flow of the game will help the Bears stay competitive in tight matchups. Whether it’s coming out of halftime with a new game plan or making key adjustments mid-game, Johnson’s ability to manage the offense in real-time will help elevate the Bears to the next level.

The Future of the Chicago Bears Under Ben Johnson

The hiring of Ben Johnson represents a new era for the Chicago Bears. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields, a talented group of skill players, and a coaching staff that is committed to building a winner, the Bears have a real chance to turn things around. Johnson’s success in Detroit was not a fluke—it was the result of his ability to build a creative, efficient, and well-rounded offense. Now, with a new challenge ahead of him in Chicago, the Bears are hoping that Johnson can do the same for them.

There will be challenges along the way, of course. The Bears need to address several key areas, including offensive line play, receiving weapons, and defensive consistency. However, with Ben Johnson at the helm, they now have a coach who knows how to develop quarterbacks, create a balanced offense, and guide his team to success.

In the end, Ben Johnson’s hiring as head coach of the Chicago Bears represents a crucial step toward the future. If his tenure in Detroit is any indication, Johnson has the potential to turn the Bears into a competitive and exciting team in the NFC, and his work with Fields will be a key storyline for years to come. With his leadership, creativity, and commitment to building a winning culture, Johnson is ready to take the Bears to the next level. The journey begins now.