In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, coaching changes often signal a new chapter for teams, and when the Chicago Bears set their sights on hiring Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, as their next head coach, it marked a potential game-changer for the storied franchise. Johnson, widely recognized for transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the league, would be stepping into one of the NFL’s most challenging yet promising head coaching positions.
For Bears fans, the idea of hiring a coach from a divisional rival might raise some eyebrows, but the choice is grounded in a desire for change, fresh leadership, and a strategic approach to improving a franchise that has been stuck in a rut for several seasons. With the Bears struggling to find their identity and establish consistent success in the NFC North, Ben Johnson’s reputation as an offensive innovator could provide the spark Chicago needs to turn the corner.
But what does hiring Ben Johnson mean for the Bears in the short and long term? How does his coaching style and philosophy align with the team’s current roster and needs? And most importantly, can Johnson help the Bears finally end their decades-long search for stability and sustained success?
### The Rise of Ben Johnson
Before diving into what Ben Johnson would bring to the Bears, it’s essential to understand his background and meteoric rise in the NFL coaching ranks. A former tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, Johnson’s reputation was made in Detroit, where his innovative play-calling and commitment to evolving the Lions’ offense quickly caught the attention of league insiders and fans alike. Under Johnson’s leadership, Detroit’s offense transformed from a below-average unit into one of the most explosive in the NFL, featuring a balanced attack that could hit opponents both through the air and on the ground.
While Johnson is best known for his work with Detroit’s quarterback Jared Goff and the development of standout players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, his offensive system has been credited with creating a creative and dynamic game plan that consistently kept defenses on their toes. Johnson’s ability to use motion, play-action, and a varied run-pass balance made the Lions’ offense unpredictable and difficult to stop. What stood out most about Johnson’s coaching philosophy was his adaptability; he didn’t force players into a scheme that didn’t fit their strengths but instead tailored his approach to maximize the talent on the field.
Johnson’s offensive ingenuity, along with his calm demeanor and clear communication, has made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL. His success in Detroit turned heads across the league, and the Bears were quick to recognize the opportunity to bring this young, promising coach into the fold.
### Why the Bears Need Ben Johnson
The Chicago Bears have long struggled to establish an offensive identity. Despite having a strong defense historically, the Bears have been one of the least productive offenses in the NFL for much of the past few decades. The struggles have been especially pronounced since the team’s Super Bowl appearance in 2006, with a revolving door at the quarterback position and an inconsistent offensive line.
This year’s team is no different. While Justin Fields has shown flashes of brilliance and significant growth as a dual-threat quarterback, he has yet to find consistency as a passer. The Bears have struggled to put together a reliable receiving corps, and their offensive line, though improving, has often been a point of contention. Fields’ development is a top priority for the Bears, but for him to reach his full potential, he needs a coach who can design an offense that fits his unique skill set, particularly his ability as a runner and his ability to extend plays outside of structure.
Ben Johnson’s hiring could be a perfect match for this exact scenario. His history of working with quarterbacks who possess strong physical tools but might need refinement in certain areas—such as Jared Goff in Detroit—suggests that he could bring out the best in Justin Fields. Johnson’s creative use of the run game, particularly in designing plays that leverage Fields’ mobility, could open up new dimensions in the Bears’ offense. Furthermore, his knack for developing young talent could help the Bears’ receiving corps take a significant step forward, whether it’s by developing the players already on the roster or attracting new, high-level talent to Chicago.
One of Johnson’s most appealing traits is his ability to develop a diverse offensive scheme. He’s not tied to one philosophy but rather utilizes a system that adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of his players. This flexibility would allow him to work with Fields’ unique skill set while also developing a system that makes full use of Chicago’s offensive line and running back group. Johnson’s experience in building offensive schemes around mobile quarterbacks, combined with his ability to call a balanced game, positions him as the ideal candidate to help the Bears achieve the balance they’ve been missing for years.
### Building the Bears’ Offense Around Justin Fields
At the heart of this hiring is the belief that Ben Johnson can take Justin Fields to the next level. Fields is an incredibly talented quarterback with exceptional athleticism, a strong arm, and the ability to make off-schedule plays with his legs. However, the challenges Fields has faced during his first two seasons in the NFL stem from inconsistency in the passing game, a lack of weapons around him, and a coaching staff that has been unable to fully maximize his potential.
Ben Johnson’s expertise in developing offensive systems that are both creative and tailored to a quarterback’s skill set makes him an ideal coach for Fields. Johnson’s ability to design plays that get the quarterback out of the pocket, use play-action to create easy throwing lanes, and incorporate an effective run game would all play to Fields’ strengths. Johnson has already shown the ability to improve quarterbacks like Goff—who, like Fields, was often doubted early in his career—suggesting that he could unlock Fields’ full potential in a way that previous Bears coaches have been unable to do.
Furthermore, Johnson’s success in developing a strong passing game with a limited receiving corps in Detroit is another reason why the Bears are making this move. Under Johnson, the Lions’ offense relied heavily on creative play designs and maximizing the talents of its receivers, particularly St. Brown, who emerged as one of the league’s top young wideouts. If the Bears can bring in a similar level of talent or develop what they already have on the roster, Johnson could help Chicago create a more explosive and efficient offense.
### The Long-Term Vision for the Bears
While the immediate focus will be on Justin Fields and his development, hiring Ben Johnson also signals that the Bears are looking for long-term stability. Johnson is not just a coach who will come in and try to fix a few issues; he is a coach who is being hired with the expectation of building a strong, sustained offense for years to come. The Bears are entering an important phase of their rebuilding process, and having a coach with Johnson’s vision and expertise could give them the leadership necessary to develop a consistent contender.
His ability to adapt and build an offense from the ground up also provides flexibility for the Bears as they continue to improve their roster. Whether they decide to add weapons for Fields, improve the offensive line, or bring in more dynamic skill players, Johnson’s coaching philosophy will ensure that the offense is always evolving and competitive in the modern NFL landscape.
### Conclusion: A New Era for the Bears
Ben Johnson’s expected hiring as the Chicago Bears’ next head coach represents a critical moment in the franchise’s future. After years of frustration and instability at the quarterback position and the coaching staff, bringing in an offensive mastermind like Johnson gives the Bears a chance to retool their offense, develop Justin Fields into the franchise quarterback they envision, and create a team capable of competing in the NFC North once again.
If Johnson can replicate his success with the Lions in Chicago, he could be the catalyst that turns the Bears’ offense into a high-powered, efficient unit. This move, if it comes to fruition, has the potential to not only reshape the Bears’ future but to make them a real threat in the NFC for years to come. For Chicago fans, there’s finally hope that the long-awaited turnaround may be just around the corner.