Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, will become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

In a surprising and transformative move in the NFL coaching landscape, Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is set to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the league, as Johnson, who has been credited with helping turn around the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the NFL, will be leaving behind his successful tenure in Detroit to take on the monumental challenge of leading a franchise with a storied history but recent struggles.

This move has significant implications not only for the future of both teams but for the NFL as a whole. The decision to hire Johnson, a young and innovative mind, as the head coach of the Bears marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s rebuilding process. For Johnson, the opportunity to take the reins of a team with potential but needing leadership and vision presents a unique challenge—one that could define the trajectory of his career.

In this article, we will explore the details of Ben Johnson’s rise through the ranks of the NFL, why the Bears have turned to him for their next head coach, and what this move means for both the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Additionally, we’ll look at the impact of this hire on the NFC North division and the broader NFL coaching landscape.

Ben Johnson’s Rise Through the NFL Coaching Ranks

Ben Johnson’s journey to the NFL has been one of steady progress and increasing responsibility. Known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks and creative schemes, Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in the league. His career began in the college ranks, where he worked his way through various offensive assistant roles. After spending time at Boston College, North Carolina, and other programs, Johnson made the leap to the NFL as an offensive assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2016.

Though his time in Miami was brief, it was a crucial stepping stone in Johnson’s development as a coach. He learned under experienced NFL coaches, absorbing as much as he could about how to craft successful offenses in a league that requires constant adaptation and innovation. Johnson’s first real break came when he joined the Detroit Lions in 2019 as the team’s tight ends coach. In this role, Johnson worked closely with Lions players like T.J. Hockenson, helping develop him into one of the league’s top tight ends.

In 2021, Johnson’s star truly began to rise when he was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Lions. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense, which had been struggling for several years, quickly began to show signs of life. Johnson’s approach emphasized a balanced attack that utilized the full breadth of the offensive playbook. His ability to put players in positions to succeed, coupled with his innovative use of motion, play-action, and a high-paced attack, helped transform the Lions into one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

The Detroit Lions’ Offensive Resurgence Under Johnson

Ben Johnson’s impact on the Detroit Lions’ offense has been nothing short of remarkable. In just his second year as offensive coordinator, he engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in the NFL. The Lions, who had been among the worst offensive teams in the league in the years prior, suddenly found themselves with one of the top units in 2022 and 2023. Johnson’s success was largely due to his ability to develop a cohesive offensive scheme that played to the strengths of his personnel, most notably quarterback Jared Goff.

In Johnson’s system, Goff flourished, enjoying one of the most efficient seasons of his career. The quarterback, often criticized for being too conservative in previous systems, became an effective playmaker under Johnson’s leadership. The scheme revolved around Goff’s strengths, using his ability to make quick, accurate throws and blending in a variety of passing concepts that kept defenses guessing.

Equally impressive was the development of the Lions’ running game. Jamaal Williams, the team’s primary running back, posted impressive numbers, while rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs added another layer of explosiveness to the backfield. Johnson’s ability to mesh the running and passing games made the Lions offense one of the most dynamic in the league. This versatility helped Detroit become one of the top-scoring teams in the NFL, making them a formidable opponent for anyone in the NFC.

Additionally, Johnson’s success as a play-caller and offensive strategist was evident in his ability to maximize the potential of his offensive line. The Lions’ offensive line, led by standout tackle Penei Sewell, became one of the league’s most effective units in both pass protection and the running game. Johnson’s ability to get the most out of his players was one of the key reasons the Lions were able to sustain their offensive growth and improve in virtually every category.

The Chicago Bears’ Struggles and the Need for Change

On the other side of the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have been mired in mediocrity for the better part of the last two decades. Though the team has experienced occasional moments of success, including playoff appearances, they have consistently struggled to find a sustainable path to contender status. The Bears have long faced issues at the quarterback position, an area that has been a revolving door for years. With a franchise quarterback never truly materializing, the Bears have found themselves in the midst of a rebuild.

The hiring of Ben Johnson represents a bold attempt by the Bears to break free from their cycles of failure and build something long-term. After parting ways with former head coach Matt Nagy and later Matt Eberflus, Chicago has made a decisive move to turn the page and bring in a fresh perspective. The Bears’ front office sees Johnson as the ideal candidate to usher in a new era, believing that his offensive creativity and ability to develop quarterbacks can finally provide the stability and direction that the franchise has been lacking.

One of the most important elements of Johnson’s hiring is the opportunity to develop young quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2023 with his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, will now be under the tutelage of an offensive mind who has already proven capable of getting the best out of his quarterbacks. Johnson’s system will allow Fields to play to his strengths, utilizing his mobility and playmaking ability while also improving his pocket presence and decision-making. With the Bears’ front office investing in offensive talent, including wide receiver DJ Moore, Johnson’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the young quarterback.

Why the Bears Are Banking on Ben Johnson

The decision to hire Ben Johnson is not just about his offensive ingenuity—it’s about his leadership and his ability to adapt. Johnson’s track record of working with different types of quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers shows that he is capable of building a system that fits the specific talents of his players. Whether it’s a traditional pocket passer or a dual-threat quarterback like Fields, Johnson has proven his ability to craft an offense that fits the personnel around him.

Additionally, Johnson’s ability to create a cohesive offensive unit that thrives on both strategy and execution is something that has impressed NFL insiders. His play-calling is highly regarded for being unpredictable and versatile, making use of different formations, shifts, and motion to keep defenses on their toes. The Bears will look to him to bring that same creativity and discipline to their offense as they aim to build a consistent, high-scoring unit.

For a Bears franchise that has long been known for its defensive prowess but has consistently struggled on offense, Johnson represents the potential to finally build a balanced team that can compete on both sides of the ball. His offensive schemes will complement the team’s defense and help push the Bears toward long-term success.

What This Means for the NFC North

The arrival of Ben Johnson in Chicago shifts the balance of power in the NFC North. For years, the Green Bay Packers have been the dominant force in the division, but the team is now in a period of transition following the departure of legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Minnesota Vikings, while a competitive team, have not consistently shown that they can contend for championships. This leaves an opening for both the Lions and Bears to emerge as the top contenders in the division.

Under Johnson’s guidance, the Bears could quickly become a threat to the Packers and Vikings, especially if they can continue to develop Justin Fields into the quarterback many believe he can be. With a revitalized offense, the Bears could soon become a force in the NFC North, potentially challenging for division titles and playoff berths in the coming years.

A New Era in Chicago

Ben Johnson’s hiring as head coach of the Chicago Bears is a bold and exciting move for a franchise looking to rebuild and finally find consistency. With a proven track record of offensive success and an ability to develop quarterbacks, Johnson has the potential to transform the Bears into an offensive powerhouse. As he takes on the challenge of leading the Bears, the stakes are high, but the rewards could be even greater if he is able to unlock the full potential of Justin Fields and turn Chicago into a true contender in the NFC.

For Johnson, this is the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that will test his abilities as a leader and coach. But if his time with the Detroit Lions is any indication, Johnson is more than ready for the challenge. The future of the Chicago Bears may have just been reshaped, and with it, the NFC North could see a new era of competition—one that begins with the arrival of Ben Johnson as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.