The Chicago Bears attribute their postseason hopes on new coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears Attribute Their Postseason Hopes to New Coach Ben Johnson
As the Chicago Bears prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the franchise has made it clear that they are turning a new page. After years of frustration, inconsistency, and a lack of success, the team is determined to make a playoff run. One key figure in the Bears’ plans is their new offensive-minded head coach, Ben Johnson. Hired in the offseason, Johnson is seen as the catalyst for a new era of Bears football—one that could elevate the offense, enhance Justin Fields’ development, and finally give Chicago the postseason success it has long craved.
For a franchise that has consistently been stuck in mediocrity, finding the right head coach is often seen as the most important step toward transformation. In hiring Ben Johnson, the Bears are making a bold commitment to an offensive-minded approach, recognizing that their success hinges largely on improving an offense that has been lackluster for much of the last decade. The addition of Johnson to the coaching staff comes with high expectations, but also a sense of hope among Bears fans that the franchise is ready to break free from its past and compete at a high level once again.
The Importance of Coaching for the Bears
The Chicago Bears’ rich history is filled with defensive legends and dominance in the trenches. However, when it comes to offensive football, the Bears have consistently struggled. This lack of offensive firepower has been a major barrier to postseason success over the years, as the team has failed to consistently score points and provide a balanced attack. While the Bears’ defense has often been one of the stronger units in the league, the offense has been the Achilles’ heel that has prevented the team from making a deep playoff run.
In recent seasons, Chicago has cycled through multiple coaching changes and offensive coordinators, each one attempting to find the formula for success. However, none of them have been able to fully unlock the potential of the offense. This inconsistency and failure to develop a potent offense have left the Bears in the middle of the pack, unable to make any real noise in the postseason.
The hiring of Ben Johnson signals a shift in philosophy for the Bears, as they look to focus on offensive innovation and development. Johnson, known for his work with the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator, has garnered attention for his ability to design creative schemes that get the most out of his players. His approach has been praised for its balance, its use of motion and play-action, and its ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of opposing defenses. If Johnson can bring that same creativity and strategic thinking to the Bears, it could make all the difference in a division that has seen significant changes over the past few years.
The Ben Johnson Effect
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson, they were bringing in one of the most promising young minds in the NFL. Johnson’s meteoric rise to prominence as the Lions’ offensive coordinator has made him a hot commodity among NFL teams. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense became one of the most dynamic and explosive units in the league, largely due to his ability to get the most out of his players and create opportunities for them to make plays.
One of the key aspects of Johnson’s coaching philosophy is his ability to tailor the offense to the strengths of his players. In Detroit, he turned Jared Goff from a quarterback with question marks into a legitimate Pro Bowl candidate, largely by surrounding him with playmakers and implementing an offensive scheme that catered to Goff’s strengths. Johnson also helped develop a top-tier rushing attack led by rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and an elite offensive line that was able to open up gaping holes in the run game.
For the Bears, this is precisely what they need. Quarterback Justin Fields is undeniably talented but has yet to fully develop into a consistent passer in the NFL. Fields’ dual-threat ability gives the Bears a dynamic weapon, but his struggles in the passing game have limited his overall effectiveness. Johnson’s ability to design an offense that caters to Fields’ unique skill set could be the key to unlocking his potential and helping him take the next step as a quarterback.
Johnson’s offense in Detroit was known for its use of play-action, misdirection, and motion. These concepts are designed to confuse defenses, create open passing lanes, and establish a strong running game. With Fields’ mobility and ability to extend plays, this kind of offense could be a perfect fit for the young quarterback. Moreover, Johnson’s ability to build around players’ strengths will be crucial for getting the most out of the Bears’ skill players, including running back Khalil Herbert, wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, and rookie wideout DJ Moore.
One of Johnson’s biggest assets as a coach is his ability to maximize the talent on his roster, regardless of the players’ perceived limitations. Whether it’s by implementing a system that emphasizes the running game or using creative ways to open up the passing attack, Johnson has proven that he can get his players to perform above expectations. If he can do the same in Chicago, the Bears could have one of the most efficient and dangerous offenses in the NFC.
Fields and Johnson: A Perfect Pairing?
For the Bears to have any hope of reaching the playoffs in 2025, their quarterback play must improve dramatically. Justin Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his legs, but his inconsistency as a passer has held the Bears back from truly becoming a contender. Fields’ development is paramount to the Bears’ success, and with a coach like Ben Johnson at the helm, the team is hopeful that he can finally take the next step in his evolution.
One of Johnson’s greatest strengths is his ability to work with quarterbacks, and his track record in Detroit suggests he could be the perfect coach to help Fields reach his potential. In Detroit, Johnson worked wonders with Goff, who was seen as a quarterback with limited upside after being traded from the Los Angeles Rams. Goff flourished in Johnson’s system, and his improved play was a direct result of the creative and quarterback-friendly scheme that Johnson implemented. Given Fields’ athleticism and upside, Johnson could help him become the dual-threat quarterback the Bears need him to be.
Under Johnson’s guidance, Fields would be able to play to his strengths—using his legs to escape pressure, extend plays, and attack defenses in both the air and on the ground. Johnson’s ability to design a system that allows Fields to be both a passer and a runner will be crucial for the Bears’ success. The potential for growth with Fields, combined with Johnson’s offensive prowess, gives the Bears legitimate hope that their offense could become a true force in the NFC.
The Bears’ Postseason Hopes
In the competitive NFC, where teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys have established themselves as playoff contenders, the Bears will need to significantly improve on both sides of the ball to make a deep postseason run. However, the team’s chances of making the playoffs in 2025 hinge on the ability of the offense to improve drastically from previous seasons.
With the addition of Ben Johnson, the Bears now have a coach who can unlock the full potential of their offensive unit. If Fields can take a significant leap forward in his development, and if the Bears can continue to build around him with an improved offensive line and playmakers at wide receiver and running back, they will have the firepower to compete with some of the best teams in the NFC.
The Bears’ defense has traditionally been their strength, and the addition of a creative offensive mind like Johnson should help complement that. The Bears’ ability to control the clock with a strong running game and mix in explosive plays in the passing game will allow their defense to be more rested and efficient throughout the season. If Johnson can make this offense a consistent threat, the Bears could be a dangerous team come playoff time.
For a team like the Bears, who have struggled to find consistent success in recent years, it is vital to take steps toward building a more well-rounded and balanced team. The appointment of Ben Johnson is a sign that the Bears are taking their offensive struggles seriously and are committed to providing Fields with the tools he needs to succeed. The next step for the Bears will be ensuring that the offensive line and skill positions are adequately addressed to make Johnson’s vision for the offense a reality.
