What Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach, will bring

The Chicago Bears have been searching for their next head coach for some time now, and after a rigorous process, they have finally found their man in Ben Johnson. The appointment of Johnson, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has sparked significant interest in the league, especially given his recent success in turning the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the NFL.

Johnson’s hiring comes at a critical juncture for the Bears. The team has struggled in recent years, finishing with a subpar record in both 2023 and 2024, and has struggled to find consistency, especially on offense. Now, with a young quarterback in Justin Fields and a solid foundation of talent on both sides of the ball, the Bears hope that Johnson’s leadership will bring the organization to the next level. But what exactly will Johnson bring to the table as the Bears’ head coach?

This article will explore the qualities, philosophy, and vision that Ben Johnson will bring to the Chicago Bears, as well as how his offensive expertise could reshape the team and its future prospects.

A Proven Offensive Mind

Ben Johnson’s rise to head coach is rooted in his impressive work as an offensive coordinator. Before his stint with the Lions, Johnson had a variety of coaching roles, including time spent as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins. His real breakthrough, however, came in Detroit, where he was tasked with revitalizing an offense that had long been regarded as one of the NFL’s most underperforming units.

In just two years as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson’s impact was evident. The Lions went from a team that struggled to score consistently to one of the league’s most potent offenses. In 2024, under Johnson’s guidance, Detroit finished the season as one of the top scoring teams in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff, who had been written off by many as a middling starter, flourished in Johnson’s system. Goff posted career-high numbers and appeared more confident than ever.

For the Bears, this is music to their ears. Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, especially in terms of passing. Fields’ rushing ability has been a highlight, but the Bears’ offense has struggled to truly develop into a balanced, high-scoring unit. This is where Johnson’s expertise will be invaluable.

Johnson has demonstrated a knack for developing quarterbacks, especially those who have struggled to find success in traditional systems. His ability to work with Goff, a quarterback who many doubted, shows that he can build an offense that plays to the strengths of his signal-caller. In Fields, Johnson has a more dynamic, dual-threat quarterback with a higher ceiling, and it will be Johnson’s job to help unlock that potential. Expect Johnson to design offensive schemes that accentuate Fields’ strengths — such as his ability to scramble, extend plays, and attack the defense with his legs — while simultaneously improving his accuracy and decision-making as a passer.

An Aggressive and Creative Offense

One of Johnson’s hallmarks as an offensive coordinator is his ability to innovate and create an aggressive, fast-paced offense that keeps defenses on their toes. During his time with the Lions, Johnson utilized a diverse playbook, mixing traditional running schemes with a sophisticated passing attack. His offenses were not only high-scoring but also unpredictable, which made them difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

In Chicago, Johnson will likely bring a similar offensive philosophy — one that is not afraid to take risks. The Bears’ offense has often been criticized for being too conservative and predictable, so Johnson’s creativity could provide a fresh approach. His use of play-action, misdirection, and well-designed screen plays was a hallmark of the Lions’ success, and it’s something that could help the Bears develop a more explosive offense.

For Johnson, it’s not just about calling a variety of plays — it’s about creating mismatches and exploiting weaknesses in the defense. His offensive schemes are designed to confuse defenders and force them to make decisions in real-time, which opens up opportunities for big plays. The Bears have some young, talented skill players, and Johnson’s creativity could help maximize their potential.

Additionally, Johnson is known for his ability to develop the run game. In Detroit, he helped make running back Jamaal Williams one of the league’s most effective goal-line runners. For Chicago, running back Khalil Herbert has shown promise, but Johnson could help elevate him to a higher level. Expect the Bears to build a more effective ground game that complements their passing attack and provides Fields with a reliable rushing option to lean on when needed.

A Focus on Player Development

Ben Johnson has made his mark as a developer of talent, particularly at the quarterback position. As mentioned, his work with Jared Goff was instrumental in transforming Goff from a quarterback who seemed to be in the twilight of his career to a productive, confident starter. Goff’s resurgence under Johnson’s tutelage is just one example of Johnson’s ability to bring out the best in his players.

For a Bears team that has struggled to develop and retain talent, especially on offense, this is a crucial aspect of Johnson’s approach. Fields is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the franchise, and his growth will be central to the Bears’ future success. Johnson’s ability to cultivate and improve Fields’ skills, particularly as a passer, will be key to the Bears’ long-term trajectory.

In addition to Fields, Johnson will also work with the other players on offense. Darnell Mooney, the Bears’ top wide receiver, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency and injuries. Johnson will need to help Mooney take the next step, as well as develop the Bears’ other young receivers. Tight ends such as Cole Kmet will also benefit from Johnson’s system, as he has a history of incorporating tight ends into his offenses, both as blockers and receiving threats.

For Johnson, building an offensive culture where players can grow and succeed is paramount. He believes in fostering a positive environment where players are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and learn from mistakes. This player-centric philosophy will help cultivate a culture of accountability in the Bears’ locker room and foster development across the entire roster.

Building a Balanced Team

While Johnson is known for his offensive prowess, he understands that a successful head coach must also manage all aspects of the team. The Bears’ defense has been solid in recent years, but consistency has been an issue. Under Johnson, the team will likely continue to build around a balanced, all-around approach to football. A high-powered offense should complement a strong defense, and the Bears have the talent on both sides of the ball to become a more well-rounded team under Johnson’s leadership.

In his coaching experience, Johnson has worked with some of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators and has developed a deep understanding of the importance of defensive schemes. While he won’t be solely responsible for the defense, his knowledge will help the team approach games with a more unified strategy. By managing both sides of the ball effectively, Johnson will be able to create a team that can compete in all phases of the game.

A Modern Head Coach Who Knows the League

Johnson’s approach to coaching is very much in line with the modern NFL, where offensive innovation and adaptability are paramount. His familiarity with the latest trends in the league, including the rise of mobile quarterbacks, spread offenses, and high-scoring games, will serve the Bears well as they try to establish themselves as a playoff contender.

Moreover, Johnson is also adept at managing the evolving landscape of the NFL. With the increasing importance of analytics and data-driven decision-making, Johnson will likely lean on these tools to help make strategic in-game decisions. His experience as a coordinator, where he had to consistently adapt to in-game scenarios and make adjustments, has prepared him well for the head coaching role.

Building the Bears’ Identity

Ultimately, Ben Johnson’s hiring represents a new beginning for the Chicago Bears. The franchise is at a pivotal point in its history, and the decision to bring in a young, innovative coach reflects the desire for a fresh identity. Johnson’s background in developing offenses and his ability to connect with players makes him a coach who can cultivate success over the long term.

The Bears have a young quarterback in Justin Fields, a talented defense, and an opportunity to rebuild their team into a contender. By hiring Ben Johnson, the franchise is signaling that they are ready to compete at a higher level. With his offensive expertise, leadership style, and player development focus, Johnson has the potential to guide the Bears toward sustained success.

In the end, what Ben Johnson will bring to the Chicago Bears is a vision of offensive explosiveness, player development, and a unified team culture — all of which are vital for turning around a franchise that has been searching for stability and consistency for years. Whether it’s Fields’ development, the growth of the offense, or the overall team identity, Johnson has the tools to lead the Bears into a brighter future. The next chapter for the Bears could be an exciting one under the leadership of Ben Johnson.