The Reasons the NFL Is Interested in Bears HC. Ben Johnson as the year’s best coach
The Chicago Bears have found themselves in the spotlight as they continue to search for stability and success under Head Coach Matt Eberflus. However, as the NFL continues to evolve and teams look to make significant improvements, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, has emerged as one of the most talked-about coaching candidates in the league. His innovative offensive mind, leadership skills, and ability to develop young talent have placed him on many teams’ radars, including the Bears.
As rumors swirl regarding potential head coaching opportunities across the league, including in Chicago, there are several compelling reasons why Ben Johnson is considered one of the top candidates to be named Coach of the Year for the 2024 season. His work with the Detroit Lions’ offense has generated significant buzz, positioning him as one of the hottest names in coaching. His creativity, player development, and ability to adapt to the NFL’s changing landscape are all factors that make him an intriguing prospect for a head coaching job.
This article will explore why the NFL is showing increased interest in Ben Johnson as one of the year’s best coaches, why he is becoming a potential candidate for the Bears’ head coach position, and what sets him apart from other coaches in the league.
Section 1: Ben Johnson’s Quick Rise in the NFL
Background and Early Career:
Ben Johnson’s rise in the NFL has been nothing short of meteoric. Before his current role as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson spent time coaching various positions in both college and the NFL. His first major coaching role came in 2011 when he served as a tight ends coach at Boston College. His understanding of offensive schemes and his ability to develop players earned him opportunities with several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
Johnson’s journey into the NFL started in earnest in 2018 when he joined the Lions as an offensive assistant. He quickly made a name for himself by contributing to the development of key players and designing schemes that emphasized creativity and versatility. By 2021, Johnson was promoted to quarterbacks coach, where he worked closely with Jared Goff and other offensive players to elevate their play.
His success in the quarterback room caught the attention of the Lions’ front office, and in 2022, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Lions offense exploded, ranking among the NFL’s top units in both passing and rushing yards. Johnson’s ability to maximize the talent of his players while adapting his scheme to fit their strengths is a hallmark of his coaching style.
Section 2: Johnson’s Impact on the Detroit Lions Offense
Offensive Innovation:
One of the key reasons why Ben Johnson is garnering attention as one of the NFL’s best coaches is his offensive innovation. In 2023, Johnson’s offense was among the most creative and efficient in the league. He implemented a scheme that was dynamic and versatile, blending traditional power running with modern, high-paced passing concepts. Johnson’s ability to use motion, play action, and multi-level routes to confuse defenses helped elevate the performance of Jared Goff and a host of other offensive players.
A hallmark of Johnson’s coaching philosophy is his ability to design an offense that not only emphasizes the talent of his players but also exploits defensive weaknesses. In 2023, the Lions ranked in the top 10 in total yards per game, rushing yards per game, and passing yards per game. Johnson’s offensive playbook is diverse enough to attack defenses in a variety of ways, and his use of innovative concepts like RPOs (Run-Pass Options) and zone-read principles made the Lions’ offense difficult to stop.
Johnson’s ability to tailor his offensive scheme to the strengths of his personnel has been a key to his success. Whether it’s getting the most out of Jared Goff—who had a career resurgence under Johnson—or utilizing Amon-Ra St. Brown as a top-tier wide receiver, Johnson’s offensive creativity has brought out the best in his players.
Player Development:
Another key factor in Johnson’s success is his ability to develop young talent. The Lions have become a team known for maximizing the potential of their players, and Johnson’s coaching has been a big part of that. Players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams have flourished under Johnson’s leadership, making the Lions one of the most exciting young teams in the league.
Johnson’s ability to develop quarterbacks is particularly impressive. He was instrumental in helping Jared Goff return to his Pro Bowl-caliber form after struggling with the Los Angeles Rams. By simplifying the offense, giving Goff more control at the line of scrimmage, and building a strong relationship with him, Johnson turned Goff into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. Johnson’s ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each player, as well as his willingness to be patient and develop their skills, has been a key element of his success as an offensive coordinator.
Section 3: Why Ben Johnson Is a Head Coaching Candidate
Leadership Skills:
While his offensive brilliance is evident, what truly sets Ben Johnson apart from other offensive coordinators is his leadership ability. Johnson is known for fostering an inclusive, player-focused environment that encourages open communication, accountability, and growth. His leadership style is built on trust, and he has earned the respect of his players, coaches, and front office.
As a head coach, Johnson would bring the same leadership qualities that have contributed to the Lions’ success. His ability to connect with players and staff, foster a positive team culture, and lead by example would serve him well in a head coaching role. His players appreciate his calm demeanor, his willingness to listen, and his focus on developing a system that maximizes their strengths.
Winning Mindset:
The NFL is a league where success is determined by more than just scheme. Coaches must instill a winning mindset, focus on execution, and adapt to changing situations. Ben Johnson has proven that he possesses these qualities. Under his leadership, the Lions have become one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC, consistently outperforming expectations and competing for playoff contention.
Johnson’s ability to instill a winning culture in Detroit has been evident in the way his team plays. The Lions’ offense is explosive and unpredictable, yet disciplined enough to execute in key moments. Johnson’s ability to manage pressure situations, motivate his players, and maintain focus has made him one of the most intriguing head coaching candidates in the league.
Strong Defensive Acumen:
While Ben Johnson is known primarily for his offensive prowess, his understanding of defense has also played a key role in the Lions’ success. Johnson’s offensive schemes are designed to neutralize opposing defenses, and he works closely with the defense to ensure that his game plans complement the team’s overall strategy. His balanced approach to football allows him to excel as both an offensive innovator and a head coach who understands the importance of defense.
For the Bears, this balance would be especially important. Matt Eberflus currently leads the team with a defensive-minded approach, and pairing that with Johnson’s offensive innovation could give the Bears the complementary offense-defense balance they need to contend. Johnson’s ability to understand the entire team dynamic would make him an ideal fit for a head coaching role where his leadership could be key to building a consistent and competitive squad.
Section 4: Why the Bears Would Be Interested in Ben Johnson
A New Offensive Identity for Chicago:
The Chicago Bears have long struggled with offensive identity, relying on strong defenses while their offense has lagged behind. While Justin Fields has shown immense potential, the Bears have struggled to provide him with consistent playmaking opportunities, particularly in the passing game. The addition of Ben Johnson as head coach would change that dynamic.
Johnson’s innovative offensive mind would give the Bears a much-needed upgrade on offense. His ability to design an offense that maximizes the strengths of his players would allow Fields to flourish, not only as a dual-threat quarterback but also as a more refined passer. Johnson’s creative schemes could be just what Fields needs to elevate his game and develop into the franchise quarterback the Bears are hoping for.
A Winning Culture:
The Bears have been in rebuilding mode for several seasons, and while there is optimism surrounding the team’s future, they still need a coach who can instill a winning culture. Johnson has already demonstrated his ability to do that with the Lions. If the Bears were to hire him, they would get a coach who is not just focused on developing offensive schemes but also on building a team that competes at the highest level.
Johnson’s success in Detroit has already set him apart as a leader who can turn a struggling franchise into a playoff contender. His leadership would be key to ensuring that the Bears take the next step toward competitiveness.
Section 5: Conclusion – The Future of Ben Johnson and the NFL Coaching Landscape
As Ben Johnson continues to rise in the ranks of NFL coaching, it is clear that his offensive prowess, leadership ability, and understanding of both the offensive and defensive sides of the game make him a prime candidate for a head coaching position. The Bears are one of several teams that could benefit from his talents, especially with their focus on developing Justin Fields into a top-tier quarterback.
While Johnson is not yet a head coach, his ascent in the coaching ranks has already caught the attention of NFL executives. Whether it’s with the Bears or another franchise, Johnson’s ability to innovate, lead, and develop talent positions him as one of the most exciting coaching prospects in the league.
For the Bears, bringing in a coach like Ben Johnson could be the game-changer they need to turn the corner and become a more complete and competitive team. As the search for the next great head coach continues, Ben Johnson’s name
