This Matt Eberflus error with the new Chicago Bears coaching staff must be avoided by Ben Johnson.

As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild their franchise, one of the most critical areas of focus for the team is its coaching staff. Matt Eberflus, the Bears’ head coach since 2022, has faced an uphill battle in leading the team back to relevance after years of underperformance. While Eberflus brings a defensive-minded approach, his tenure has been marred by several mistakes, both in game strategy and team management. One of the most glaring errors in his time with the Bears was his inability to develop a high-powered offense, which ultimately hindered the team’s overall growth.

Looking ahead to 2025, if the Bears are to take the next step, much will depend on the direction that new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, takes the offense. Johnson, who made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been widely praised for his innovative play-calling and ability to maximize the talents of his players. However, it is crucial for Johnson to learn from Eberflus’ errors, ensuring that he avoids the same pitfalls that have previously hindered the Bears’ offensive success.

In this article, we will examine the mistakes that Matt Eberflus made during his time as head coach of the Bears and why Ben Johnson must take proactive steps to avoid repeating them. From ensuring the right development for quarterback Justin Fields to creating a dynamic offensive scheme that plays to the strengths of the roster, Johnson’s leadership will be pivotal in turning the Bears’ fortunes around.

The Matt Eberflus Era: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

When Matt Eberflus was hired as head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022, there were high hopes that his defensive expertise would restore the team’s defensive dominance. As the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, Eberflus had a reputation for building effective defenses, and his aggressive approach to defense was expected to make an immediate impact in Chicago. However, the offensive side of the ball quickly became a major issue under Eberflus’ leadership.

1. Underdeveloped Quarterback Play

The biggest mistake of Matt Eberflus’ tenure was his inability to develop Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback and the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. Fields, a talented dual-threat quarterback, was drafted by the Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and many expected him to become a star under the right coaching. However, during Eberflus’ first two years, Fields’ development stagnated.

Eberflus, as a defensive coach, never seemed to fully grasp the importance of fostering a dynamic offensive system that could elevate Fields’ play. In many instances, Fields was left in the same offensive schemes that didn’t play to his strengths, particularly his mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket. The coaching staff’s failure to design a more innovative and flexible offensive game plan was one of the key factors in Fields’ struggles.

Eberflus also seemed to rely too much on outdated philosophies, not taking into account the growing trend in the NFL of building offenses that can adapt to the strengths of mobile quarterbacks. While defensive-minded coaches have had success in the NFL (such as Bill Belichick), the reality is that the current NFL climate demands coaches who can develop their quarterbacks into dual threats capable of running dynamic offenses.

2. Failure to Build an Offensive Identity

Another issue under Eberflus was the team’s lack of an offensive identity. In his first two seasons, the Bears struggled to establish any semblance of a coherent offensive strategy. The lack of a clear offensive philosophy was evident in their poor performance on the field.

Eberflus, unfortunately, focused too heavily on the defense, and as a result, he did not dedicate enough time or resources to creating an offense that could support Justin Fields. Instead, he relied on inconsistent play-calling and failed to adapt quickly enough to the team’s needs. This lack of a clear offensive identity hurt the Bears’ ability to compete against high-powered offenses and ultimately resulted in poor offensive production.

In addition to his failure to develop Fields, Eberflus was also unable to establish a strong running game or passing attack. This lack of versatility on offense left the Bears vulnerable and one-dimensional, making it easy for opponents to exploit the team’s weaknesses.

3. Poor Staff Decisions

In addition to the strategic shortcomings of his coaching, Eberflus also made questionable staff decisions that further hindered the team’s development. Eberflus hired several assistants that were not equipped to lead an offense capable of maximizing the potential of young players like Fields.

The decision to hire a coach with a defensive background to lead an offense-heavy franchise like the Bears was, in hindsight, a questionable move. While Eberflus’ defensive expertise is undeniable, it was clear that his lack of offensive acumen and ability to oversee an offense ultimately doomed the Bears’ offensive development.

In contrast, when the Bears hired Ben Johnson to be their offensive coordinator, there was hope that this move would mark a shift toward a more balanced and innovative approach. Johnson had shown success in Detroit, where he helped develop Jared Goff into a more effective quarterback and created a potent offense that could complement the Lions’ defense.

Ben Johnson’s Role: A New Dawn for the Bears’ Offense

The hiring of Ben Johnson is a critical move for the Bears, and one that can rectify the mistakes made during Eberflus’ tenure. As the architect of one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Johnson brings a fresh perspective and a track record of success that Chicago desperately needs. However, he must take several key steps to avoid the mistakes that plagued Eberflus’ coaching.

1. Prioritize Justin Fields’ Development

The most important task for Ben Johnson is to focus on Justin Fields’ development. Fields showed flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons, especially with his ability to make plays with his legs, but he still needs to improve as a passer.

Johnson should develop an offense that caters to Fields’ strengths—particularly his ability to move and make plays outside the pocket. By designing more bootlegs, rollouts, and play-action passes, Johnson can help Fields become a more effective passer while also tapping into his dynamic running ability.

Moreover, Johnson must focus on simplifying Fields’ reads and allowing him to develop a rhythm early in games. Fields struggled with consistency in 2022 and 2023, but part of that was due to the offensive schemes being overly complicated and not tailored to his abilities. Johnson must create an offense that allows Fields to make quicker decisions and work within a system that doesn’t ask him to do too much too quickly.

2. Establish a Clear Offensive Identity

Ben Johnson’s first priority should be to establish a clear and cohesive offensive identity for the Bears. This means having a distinct offensive philosophy that plays to the strengths of the team’s personnel, including Justin Fields, the running backs, and the wide receivers. Johnson must avoid the disjointed and confused offense that characterized the Bears during the Eberflus era.

Johnson is known for his creative and versatile approach to offense, and he will need to implement a scheme that incorporates a balanced attack—both in the running game and the passing game. Whether it’s creating mismatches for wide receivers in the passing game or building an effective run scheme with Fields and the backs, Johnson must create an offense that consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses.

3. Build a Strong Offensive Line and Running Game

For the Bears’ offense to be successful, Ben Johnson must work with the team’s front office and the offensive line coaches to improve the unit’s play. The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Bears for years, and if the team can’t protect Fields and establish a consistent running game, the offense will remain limited.

Johnson needs to find ways to utilize the running game as a foundation for the offense. Establishing a strong run game will not only make Fields’ job easier but will also allow Johnson to set up play-action and passing opportunities that will give the Bears a more dynamic offensive attack. Utilizing running backs like Khalil Herbert, who showed promise in 2023, will be key to balancing the offense.

4. Foster a Positive Culture and Staff Chemistry

Finally, Ben Johnson must foster a positive coaching culture that supports both the offense and defense. This involves ensuring that staff members work in sync and that the team is aligned in its goals. Unlike Matt Eberflus, whose focus was often on the defense at the expense of the offense, Johnson must be able to balance both sides of the ball, understanding that a thriving offense is just as important as a strong defense.

Conclusion: Ben Johnson’s Potential for Success

The mistakes made by Matt Eberflus during his time as head coach of the Chicago Bears were significant, particularly in the development of quarterback Justin Fields and the overall lack of an offensive identity. However, with the hiring of Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator, the Bears now have a unique opportunity to turn their offense into one of the league’s most potent units.

Johnson must avoid the mistakes of Eberflus by prioritizing Fields’ development, establishing a clear offensive identity, improving the offensive line, and building a balanced attack that can put pressure on opposing defenses. By doing so, Johnson can help the Bears achieve sustained success, ultimately turning the team into a legitimate contender in the NFC.

The key to the Bears’ future success rests on the shoulders of Ben Johnson, and if he can implement his vision and avoid the mistakes of the past, the Bears could soon find themselves on the path to greatness.