Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been a sought-after candidate in coaching searches since last season. On Monday, he took the leap to test his skills as a head coach, and surprisingly, the destination was the Chicago Bears. This comes after a shocking end to the Lions’ season at the hands of the Washington Commanders, where Johnson’s offense scored 31 points in a 45-31 shootout loss, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities.
It appears the Chicago Bears, a division rival in the NFC North, were closely observing Johnson’s offensive success. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears were finalizing a deal to hire Johnson as their new head coach.
Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. pic.twitter.com/UwlLk3wNJZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Since the Bears face the Lions twice each year, Johnson likely recognized potential in Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Although Williams faced challenges during his rookie season, he performed well against the Lions, averaging 295 passing yards with five total touchdowns and no interceptions in their matchups.
As Johnson embarks on this new chapter, he will strengthen the Bears-Lions rivalry by facing off against Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell twice a year. Johnson wasted no time reshaping the Bears’ coaching staff; moments after accepting the head coach position, it was announced that former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen would join him as the new defensive coordinator.
Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded coaching staff. The leading candidate to become his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/iJCbMLJSLe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Only time will determine whether Ben Johnson’s tenure in Chicago will be a success. However, considering his achievements in revitalizing the Lions’ offense, it seems likely that the Bears offense will undergo a significant transformation next season.
