Ben Johnson, who has been the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions over the past three years, has agreed to become the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. His agency, Priority Sports, made the announcement on Monday. Johnson will take over following the firing of Matt Eberflus on November 29, becoming the 19th head coach in the franchise’s 105-year history.
The 38-year-old coach became available after the Lions, the NFC’s top seed, were upset in the playoffs by the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
Assembling a New Coaching Staff
Johnson is already in the process of building his coaching staff, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is reportedly the frontrunner for defensive coordinator, while the Bears are also targeting Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi for special teams coordinator.
The Bears cast a wide net in their search, interviewing 17 candidates, including well-known figures like former Commanders and Panthers coach Ron Rivera, ex-Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, and Tennessee State coach Eddie George. General manager Ryan Poles stressed the thoroughness of the process, stating, “We’re leaving no stone unturned to ensure we do this right.”
The Bears fulfilled the NFL’s Rooney Rule by interviewing George on Sunday.
An Offensive Innovator
Johnson is recognized for his inventive playcalling and ability to create high-powered offenses. Under his leadership, the Lions consistently ranked among the NFL’s top 10 offenses in the last two years, including finishing second overall and leading the league in points scored in 2024. From 2022 to 2024, Detroit averaged 28.2 points per game, the highest in the NFL.
In contrast, the Bears’ offense has struggled in recent years. They finished the season at 5-12, last in the NFC North. Since 1967, only one of Chicago’s 12 full-time head coaches—Matt Nagy in 2018—has posted a winning record in their first season.
The Caleb Williams Connection
Johnson’s arrival brings hope for quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears’ top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams has praised Johnson’s offensive approach, calling it “fascinating” and “creative.”
As a rookie, Williams recorded a 47 QBR (28th in the NFL) and endured a league-high 68 sacks. Johnson’s success with quarterbacks, like improving Jared Goff’s QBR from 46 to 63 in his first year as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, suggests he can help Williams thrive. Johnson’s system relies on reducing sacks and utilizing play-action heavily, a strategy the Lions led the NFL in last season (36%), while the Bears ranked 30th.
Rebuilding the Bears
Johnson will have significant resources to work with. The Bears hold the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with three more picks in the top 72, and they are projected to have $74.8 million in salary cap space, the fourth-highest in the league.
However, there are hurdles ahead. Key players like offensive linemen Coleman Shelton, Matt Pryor, and Teven Jenkins, along with star wide receiver Keenan Allen, are pending free agents. Johnson will need to make smart decisions this offseason to shape a competitive roster.
A New Beginning for Chicago
With a sharp offensive mind and ample resources, Ben Johnson has the opportunity to rejuvenate a Bears franchise that has struggled to find stability. His ability to unlock Caleb Williams’ potential and revamp Chicago’s offensive identity will be critical to his success.
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