The Chicago Bears have made a significant move by hiring Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach, according to reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Johnson, aged 38, has turned heads in the coaching world, having led the Lions’ offense since 2022 and helping quarterback Jared Goff achieve impressive statistics, including 96 touchdown passes over three seasons.
The Bears’ decision comes after a disappointing 2024 season where they finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record, marking the only team in the division with a losing record. This led to the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus, who was let go midseason—a first for the franchise.
Johnson’s coaching career began in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, where he climbed the ranks over several years before joining Detroit’s coaching staff in 2019. Since being named the offensive coordinator in 2022, he has become known for his innovative offensive strategies, including the use of trick plays which were notably demonstrated during the Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders.
Despite being pursued by other teams in previous offseasons, including the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Commanders, Johnson opted to stay with the Lions until now. His challenge in Chicago will be to elevate the performance of Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, who has shown promise in his rookie season with over 3,540 passing yards.
Looking forward, the Bears possess the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft along with approximately $66 million in salary cap space. With Johnson at the helm, fans are hopeful he can turn the franchise’s fortunes around, especially by maximizing Williams’ talent and crafting a competitive team in the NFC North.
In summary, the Bears’ strategic hiring of Johnson signals a new era for the team as they aim to revitalize their struggling offense and foster the development of their young quarterback. With available draft capital and financial flexibility, there is optimism for a more successful future.