Could Ben Johnson become the head coach of the Bears? A fresh rumor emerges

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, rumors swirl around coaching changes and potential hires like wildfire, particularly as teams look to reshape their rosters and coaching staffs in pursuit of long-term success. As the 2025 NFL season progresses and teams begin evaluating their coaching staffs, one name that has emerged frequently in connection with potential head coaching vacancies is Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.

Johnson, who has helped transform the Lions’ offense into one of the most potent in the NFL, is now being linked to the Chicago Bears in what has become one of the more compelling rumors surrounding the NFL coaching landscape. The Bears, who have long struggled to find stability at the head coach position, may be on the verge of hiring Johnson as their next leader. But what makes this potential hire so intriguing, and why are people starting to take these rumors seriously?

This article takes a deep dive into the swirling rumor that Ben Johnson could be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, examining the factors that make such a move plausible, the challenges Johnson would face in Chicago, and what it could mean for both the Lions and the Bears moving forward.

Ben Johnson’s Rising Stock in the NFL

Before diving into the specifics of the Chicago Bears situation, it’s important to understand the rapid rise of Ben Johnson and why he has become such an attractive candidate for head coaching positions around the league.

Since being promoted to offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions in 2021, Johnson has quickly gained recognition as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense transformed from one of the league’s most anemic units into a dynamic and high-powered attack. Johnson’s ability to design creative, adaptable schemes that maximized the talents of players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams quickly earned him respect from coaches, analysts, and fans alike.

Johnson’s offensive strategies often feature elements of both traditional and modern schemes, blending the run-first mentality with a heavy focus on explosive passing plays. His ability to adapt his play-calling to fit the strengths of his players has been one of his defining characteristics. Goff, for instance, enjoyed a career resurgence under Johnson’s tutelage, and Johnson’s innovative approach helped unlock the potential of the entire offense.

As a result of his success in Detroit, Johnson quickly became a highly sought-after coaching candidate. Despite his relatively brief time as an offensive coordinator, his impressive track record and ability to develop offensive talent have positioned him as one of the top coaching prospects in the NFL. Teams looking for a young, innovative mind to lead their offense have begun to target him, and the Chicago Bears may be the next team to offer him that opportunity.

The Chicago Bears: A Team in Transition

The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, but in recent years, they have struggled to find sustained success. The team has gone through a series of coaching changes, with the most recent regime under Matt Nagy failing to live up to expectations. While the Bears have had occasional moments of promise, they have yet to consistently compete for championships, and much of that has been attributed to their inability to build a stable, effective offensive system.

In 2024, the Bears made a significant investment in their quarterback of the future by selecting Justin Fields in the first round of the NFL Draft. Fields, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency in his first few seasons. One of the major criticisms of the Bears during this time has been their lack of offensive support for Fields, particularly in terms of play-calling and offensive system design. While Fields’ raw talent is undeniable, he has often been forced to operate in a system that does not play to his strengths.

For the Bears to take the next step as a franchise, it’s clear that they need a head coach who can maximize Fields’ potential and lead the team to sustained offensive success. This is where Ben Johnson enters the picture.

Why Ben Johnson Makes Sense for the Bears

There are several compelling reasons why Ben Johnson could be a perfect fit for the Chicago Bears. The first, and most obvious, is his experience working with quarterbacks, particularly young quarterbacks. Johnson’s work with Jared Goff in Detroit has shown that he can take a quarterback with question marks surrounding his potential and help him become a more efficient, effective player. Goff had been written off by many after his time with the Los Angeles Rams, but under Johnson’s guidance, he has become one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks.

In much the same way, Johnson could help Justin Fields take the next step in his development. Fields is a dynamic talent with the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, but he has struggled with consistency in his first few seasons. Johnson has shown an ability to design offenses that leverage a quarterback’s strengths while addressing their weaknesses. Fields’ mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability make him an ideal candidate to thrive in an offense that Johnson could tailor to his unique skill set.

Moreover, Johnson’s success in Detroit is a testament to his ability to build an offense around the strengths of his players. The Lions’ offense became a force in the NFC under Johnson’s leadership, with a blend of run-pass options, play-action, and a heavy focus on quick passing to maximize yards after the catch. Johnson’s ability to create an offensive system that fits the strengths of his roster would be a huge asset in Chicago, where Fields’ skills could be optimized in a similar way.

Another factor working in Johnson’s favor is the Bears’ current state of transition. After several years of instability at the head coach position, the Bears need someone who can provide a sense of direction and stability. Johnson, with his reputation as a calm, calculated leader, could bring the type of stability that the Bears need. He’s young, hungry, and eager to prove himself as a head coach, and he would likely relish the opportunity to build something from the ground up in Chicago.

Lastly, Johnson’s ties to the NFC North region are an added benefit. He is familiar with the challenges and expectations of coaching in the division, and he has a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed against teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and, of course, the Detroit Lions. His experience in the NFC North would make him a valuable asset as the Bears look to reclaim relevance in the division.

Challenges Ben Johnson Would Face in Chicago

While Ben Johnson would bring many strengths to the Bears, there are also significant challenges that he would need to overcome in order to succeed in Chicago.

The biggest challenge for Johnson would likely be addressing the Bears’ offensive line issues. While Fields has shown promise, he has been hindered by a subpar offensive line that has struggled to provide him with the protection needed to excel. If Johnson were to become the Bears’ head coach, he would need to find ways to improve the offensive line or at least design an offense that mitigates their weaknesses. This could include more quick throws, play-action, and designed runs to keep defenses on their toes.

Additionally, Johnson would need to overhaul the Bears’ receiving corps, which has been a weak point for several years. Fields has not had consistent, reliable weapons on the outside, and Johnson would likely need to target wide receivers in the draft or free agency to give his quarterback the support he needs. Building a balanced offensive attack that can both run the ball effectively and create explosive passing plays will be crucial for Johnson’s success in Chicago.

Another challenge would be the expectations that come with coaching a team like the Bears, one of the NFL’s marquee franchises. Johnson would have to deal with the pressure of living up to the high standards set by the organization, especially in a city where football fans are passionate and expect results. The Bears’ fanbase, which has suffered through years of mediocrity, will demand quick results, and Johnson would need to manage those expectations while building a sustainable winning culture.

The Impact on the Detroit Lions

If Ben Johnson were to leave Detroit for the Bears, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Lions. Johnson has been an instrumental part of the team’s offensive revival, and his departure would leave a significant void to fill. The Lions would need to find a new offensive coordinator who can continue the work that Johnson started and maintain the offensive momentum that the team has built over the past few seasons.

However, the Lions could also use this as an opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective. While Johnson’s success in Detroit has been undeniable, his departure would allow the Lions to potentially hire someone with a different offensive philosophy or one who could bring new ideas to the table.

Could Ben Johnson Become the Bears’ Next Head Coach?

As the rumors surrounding Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears continue to swirl, it’s clear that the possibility of Johnson becoming the next head coach of the Bears is very real. His success as an offensive coordinator, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his understanding of the NFC North all make him an attractive candidate for the Bears. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of building a balanced offense and managing the expectations of coaching in Chicago.

For Johnson, the opportunity to work with a young quarterback like Justin Fields and build a dynamic offense in Chicago could be too enticing to pass up. If the Bears do offer him the job, it would represent a significant career milestone for Johnson, but also a major test as he seeks to prove himself as a head coach at the NFL level.

For Lions fans, the potential loss of Johnson would be a painful blow, but it also opens the door for new opportunities and challenges. Regardless of what happens, it’s clear that Ben Johnson’s name will continue to be a prominent part of the coaching conversation in the coming months, and his future, whether in Detroit or Chicago, will be one to watch closely.