Ben Johnson: The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator will be named the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
In a stunning turn of events in the NFL coaching world, Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is set to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. The news has sent ripples through the NFL landscape, as the Bears’ decision to hire Johnson represents a bold and calculated move in an attempt to turn around a franchise that has been struggling for years to find its identity and reclaim relevance in the NFC North.
As the Bears continue their search for stability and success, they’ve looked beyond the traditional coaching routes, opting to tap into the innovative, high-powered offense Johnson has cultivated in Detroit. Known for his creativity, ability to develop quarterbacks, and knack for designing explosive offenses, Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the brightest young coaching minds in the NFL. But what led to his meteoric rise from a relative unknown to the next head coach of one of the league’s most storied franchises?
This article delves into Ben Johnson’s career, his rise to prominence, and the factors that made him an appealing candidate for the Bears. Additionally, we’ll examine what Johnson’s appointment could mean for the future of the Chicago Bears and how his offensive philosophy could reshape a franchise that has long struggled to find consistent success.
Ben Johnson’s Background: A Rise Through the Ranks
Ben Johnson’s coaching journey has been one of steady progression and deep learning, shaped by his understanding of offensive football and his commitment to developing players. A graduate of North Carolina with a background in sports administration, Johnson had the work ethic and vision that ultimately led him to the NFL.
Before making his name in the NFL, Johnson’s early coaching career began at the collegiate level, where he served in various roles. He worked as an offensive quality control coach at Georgia Southern and later moved to Boston College as an offensive assistant. His time in college football gave Johnson the foundation to understand how offenses could be tailored to the strengths of individual players, something that would become one of his trademarks in his later NFL career.
Johnson’s NFL journey officially began when he joined the Miami Dolphins as a staff assistant in 2016. From there, he worked his way up the ranks, gradually earning promotions and becoming a crucial part of the Dolphins’ offensive staff. His early years in Miami, under head coach Adam Gase, provided Johnson with the opportunity to study under more established offensive minds, learning the intricacies of designing plays and executing high-level offensive strategies.
However, it wasn’t until Johnson moved to the Detroit Lions in 2021 that his star really began to shine. In his first year with the Lions, Johnson served as the quarterbacks coach under head coach Dan Campbell. He quickly earned a reputation for his work with quarterback Jared Goff, who had struggled in previous seasons but appeared to find a renewed sense of confidence and effectiveness under Johnson’s tutelage.
In 2022, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator, and that’s when things really started to click for the Lions. With Johnson calling the plays, the Lions’ offense experienced significant growth. Detroit finished the season with one of the top offenses in the NFL, and Goff played some of the best football of his career. Johnson’s ability to design creative passing concepts and balance the run game with explosive play-action calls turned Detroit’s offense into one of the most dangerous and unpredictable units in the league.
The Lions’ offensive success under Johnson earned him recognition as one of the hottest young offensive minds in the NFL. It didn’t take long for teams to take notice of his success and the way he revitalized the Lions’ offense. Johnson’s innovative play calling and impressive track record as a quarterback developer made him a prime candidate for a head coaching job—and it was only a matter of time before the Bears came calling.
The Chicago Bears: Searching for Stability and Leadership
The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have spent much of the last few decades struggling to find stability at the head coach and quarterback positions. While the team has had flashes of success, they have failed to consistently compete at a high level in the NFC North. Despite boasting a rich history, including nine NFL championships, the Bears have found themselves stuck in mediocrity for much of the 21st century.
In recent years, the Bears have had an especially difficult time at quarterback. After trading up to select Mitchell Trubisky in 2017, the franchise hoped they had found their quarterback of the future. Unfortunately, Trubisky’s inconsistent play ultimately led to his departure, and the Bears spent years searching for a solution at the position.
In 2021, the Bears selected Justin Fields in the first round of the NFL Draft, hoping that the former Ohio State star would be the answer to their quarterback woes. Fields showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season but struggled with consistency, and many criticized the Bears for their lack of offensive support around him.
As a result, the Bears fired head coach Matt Nagy following the 2021 season, and Ryan Poles was hired as the team’s new general manager. Poles, an executive with a deep understanding of roster building and long-term success, made it clear that his primary goal was to build around Fields and create a high-powered offense that could elevate the young quarterback’s play.
The Bears’ decision to hire Matt Eberflus as head coach in 2022 was an attempt to bring in a defensive-minded leader, but this approach did not appear to yield immediate results. The team struggled to find success offensively, and Fields’ development seemed to stagnate under the constraints of an uninspired offensive scheme. The Bears were in need of a bold new direction, one that could harness the potential of their quarterback and unlock an offense capable of competing in a high-powered NFC North.
Why Ben Johnson?
As the Bears conducted their search for a new head coach in 2025, it became increasingly clear that they needed someone who could develop Justin Fields and implement an offense that would maximize his unique skill set. Fields is an athletic quarterback with elite mobility, a strong arm, and the ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. However, his development had been hampered by inconsistent coaching and offensive play-calling throughout his early years in the league.
Ben Johnson, with his success in Detroit, was the obvious candidate to help Fields reach his full potential. Johnson’s offensive philosophy has been built on the concepts of spacing, play-action, and creative route combinations—elements that align perfectly with Fields’ strengths. In Detroit, Johnson orchestrated a high-flying offense that was efficient both in the passing game and on the ground. His ability to design plays that took advantage of his quarterback’s strengths made him the ideal candidate for a Bears team looking to revitalize its offense.
Moreover, Johnson’s ability to develop quarterbacks was another significant factor in his hiring. His work with Jared Goff, a quarterback who was seen as a reclamation project after a rocky tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, was a key selling point. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff flourished, and his success served as proof that Johnson had the expertise to help Fields develop into a top-tier quarterback in the NFL.
Johnson’s hiring also signals a shift in the Bears’ approach to building a team. The Bears have been known for their defensive-minded identity, but with the growing importance of offensive firepower in the modern NFL, it’s clear that the franchise is prioritizing offense and quarterback development in their bid for success. Hiring Johnson is a clear indication that the Bears are fully committed to building a team around Fields and unlocking the full potential of their young star.
What Will Ben Johnson Bring to the Chicago Bears?
As head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson will bring a fresh offensive philosophy to a team that has struggled to find consistency on that side of the ball for years. His coaching style will likely emphasize several key elements that have made his offenses successful in Detroit:
- Balanced Offense: Johnson’s offensive schemes have consistently been balanced between the run and the pass. He has been able to establish a strong running game, which has allowed his quarterbacks to thrive in play-action situations. With David Montgomery and Jamaal Williams both departing, the Bears will look to bolster their rushing attack, while incorporating more creative pass concepts into their offense.
- Play-Action Passing: One of Johnson’s trademarks is his ability to utilize play-action effectively. Given Fields’ ability to extend plays with his legs and his strong arm, Johnson will likely design an offense that takes advantage of play-action to create downfield opportunities.
- Quarterback Development: Fields will be the centerpiece of Johnson’s offensive strategy. His skill set is unique, and Johnson will have to tailor the offense to his strengths. Johnson’s history of quarterback development, particularly with Goff, will be a critical asset in helping Fields develop into a franchise quarterback.
- Creativity and Adaptability: Johnson is known for being a creative offensive mind, unafraid to try new things and adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of his players. His ability to innovate and adapt will be key in turning the Bears’ offense into a dangerous unit.
A New Era for the Chicago Bears
The hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach represents a significant turning point for the Chicago Bears. With the franchise looking to move forward and make the most of Justin Fields’ potential, Johnson offers the expertise, creativity, and offensive philosophy needed to usher in a new era for the Bears. His ability to develop quarterbacks and design innovative offenses makes him the ideal candidate to lead the team back into contention in the NFC North.
For Bears fans, the future looks brighter with Johnson at the helm. His appointment signals a renewed commitment to offense and an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the modern NFL. If Johnson can get the best out of Fields and build a high-powered offense, the Bears could finally return to prominence after years of struggles. The decision to hire Ben Johnson is one that could define the franchise for years to come.
