Ben Johnson: The Detroit Lions’ Offensive Coordinator Becomes the New Head Coach of the Chicago Bears

The National Football League (NFL) is an ever-evolving landscape, where team success often depends on a fine blend of leadership, innovation, and strategy. In recent years, the Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation, driven in large part by the vision and acumen of their offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, the 37-year-old coach has garnered widespread attention for his ability to breathe new life into an offense that had once struggled to find its rhythm. As of January 2025, Johnson is making another major leap in his coaching career, taking on the role of head coach for the Chicago Bears, a team in desperate need of a culture change and offensive resurgence.

This move is not just a career milestone for Johnson, but it also represents a new chapter for the Bears, a franchise that has long been defined by its dominant defenses and struggling offenses. Under Johnson’s leadership, Chicago hopes to finally harness the full potential of its roster and become a competitive force in the NFC North. To understand why this hire is such a pivotal moment for both Johnson and the Bears, it’s essential to look at his rise in the coaching ranks, the impact he had with the Lions, and what he will bring to the Bears’ rebuilding process.

Ben Johnson’s Rise Through the Coaching Ranks

Born in 1987 in North Carolina, Ben Johnson’s path to the NFL was not a conventional one. He played quarterback at North Carolina, where he showed promise but did not make a significant impact on the field at the professional level. Instead of pursuing a playing career, Johnson pivoted to coaching, starting with a series of assistant roles that would eventually shape his distinctive coaching philosophy.

Johnson began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 as an offensive assistant, a position that allowed him to familiarize himself with the fast-paced, results-oriented environment of the league. His early years with the Dolphins were formative, as he worked with various offensive positions and honed his craft as a communicator and strategist. By 2016, he had become a quarterbacks coach, demonstrating his ability to develop young talent and manage the complexities of a fast-paced offense.

However, it wasn’t until he joined the Detroit Lions in 2019 that Johnson began to draw significant attention across the league. As the offensive coordinator under head coach Dan Campbell, Johnson was tasked with transforming an offense that had underperformed for years. The Lions were struggling to consistently score points, and the coaching staff had to find ways to improve their quarterback play, enhance their rushing attack, and craft a modern offense capable of competing in the NFC.

Johnson’s work with the Lions offense began to pay immediate dividends. His emphasis on creativity and balance led to noticeable improvements in the Lions’ offensive efficiency. Quarterback Jared Goff, who had come to Detroit after a difficult tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, flourished under Johnson’s tutelage. The offense became more dynamic, incorporating a mix of quick, precise passing plays and a powerful running game. Johnson’s understanding of game flow and defensive tendencies enabled him to exploit mismatches, and his game plans kept opposing defensive coordinators on their toes.

The Lions’ offense steadily improved during Johnson’s tenure, with the team ranking among the top 10 in scoring in 2022. That success not only made Johnson a sought-after coaching commodity but also firmly established him as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. It was this success that caught the eye of the Chicago Bears, who had been searching for a new head coach following a disappointing stretch under Matt Eberflus.

The Bears’ Search for a New Head Coach

The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in NFL history. Yet in recent years, the team has struggled to find success, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Despite possessing a strong defense and an elite running back in David Montgomery, the Bears consistently lagged behind in terms of offensive production. The franchise’s inability to develop a quarterback or establish a potent passing game has left them in the shadow of other NFC North teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

After parting ways with head coach Matt Eberflus following another disappointing season, the Bears made it clear that they were in the market for a coach who could modernize their offense, develop quarterback Justin Fields, and create an overall game plan that could compete at the highest level. They needed a coach who could revitalize the Bears’ stagnant attack and take advantage of their promising roster.

In Ben Johnson, the Bears saw an offensive mastermind capable of transforming their franchise. Johnson’s reputation for designing high-scoring offenses and getting the best out of his quarterbacks aligned perfectly with the Bears’ needs. Furthermore, Johnson’s ability to create innovative play designs and game strategies would allow the Bears to become more unpredictable, a crucial factor in a league where defensive schemes are becoming increasingly complex.

The Bears also recognized the cultural shift that Johnson could bring to the organization. Under the tenure of previous head coaches, Chicago had struggled with inconsistent leadership and a lack of direction. Johnson’s track record as a positive and forward-thinking coach made him an ideal candidate to lead the Bears into a new era.

What Ben Johnson Brings to the Chicago Bears

One of the key reasons the Bears were so keen on hiring Ben Johnson is his ability to develop young quarterbacks and design offensive systems that cater to their strengths. Chicago’s future is closely tied to Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of greatness but still needs refinement in his decision-making, accuracy, and consistency. Fields’ dual-threat ability gives him the potential to be a star, but the Bears need a coach who can unlock that potential and help him reach his ceiling.

Ben Johnson’s work with Jared Goff in Detroit is one of the prime examples of his ability to coach up quarterbacks. Goff, who had been largely considered a disappointment after his time with the Rams, played some of the best football of his career under Johnson. The key to Goff’s resurgence was Johnson’s ability to simplify the offense, use short-to-intermediate routes, and get Goff into a rhythm. Johnson’s offense was designed to maximize Goff’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses, and that’s exactly what Fields will need from his new head coach.

In addition to his work with quarterbacks, Johnson is known for his ability to adapt his offense to the skill sets of his players. The Bears have several playmakers on offense, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney and running back Khalil Herbert, and Johnson will be able to design schemes that get them involved in meaningful ways. His ability to balance the run and pass, using both to complement each other, will allow the Bears’ offense to become more multifaceted and dangerous.

Another key element that Ben Johnson will bring to Chicago is his innovative approach to offensive play-calling. Johnson is known for his ability to think outside the box and use motions, misdirection, and play action to confuse opposing defenses. His game plans are not only designed to attack a defense’s weaknesses but also to put his players in positions to succeed. In a league that’s increasingly dominated by elite defensive units, this creativity will be essential to the Bears’ success in the coming years.

The Road Ahead: Building a Contender in Chicago

While Ben Johnson’s hiring is a promising step for the Bears, there is still much work to be done. Chicago is not a team that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl immediately, but Johnson’s leadership could fast-track the franchise’s rebuilding process. In addition to working with Fields and developing a potent offense, Johnson will have to address the team’s defense, special teams, and roster depth.

The Bears have a solid defensive foundation, led by linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive lineman Khalil Mack, but they will need to continue building through the draft and free agency to keep up with the high-powered offenses in the NFC. Johnson’s ability to balance the needs of both sides of the ball will be key as the Bears look to improve across the board.

Additionally, Johnson’s success will depend largely on his ability to cultivate a strong coaching staff and empower his assistants to develop their own systems and players. Head coaches in the NFL often rise or fall based on the strength of their coaching staffs, and Johnson’s ability to surround himself with capable coordinators and position coaches will be essential in the coming seasons.