The NFL’s coaching carousel is one of the most exciting and unpredictable elements of the league’s off-season. Every year, as teams fire or hire new head coaches, offensive coordinators, defensive coordinators, and more, the rumor mill begins to churn. This year, one name that has frequently come up in coaching talks is Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. After a standout season with the Lions, which saw their offense flourish in ways it hadn’t in years, Johnson is reportedly drawing interest from several teams looking to bolster their coaching staff. Among the most talked-about suitors are the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears.
But the question remains: will Ben Johnson pick the Jaguars or Bears? To answer this, it’s important to consider the dynamics at play for both franchises, the opportunities they present, and what Johnson’s own career trajectory might suggest about his potential decision.
### A Rapid Rise for Ben Johnson
Before delving into the Jaguars and Bears’ coaching situations, it’s important to understand just how impressive Ben Johnson’s rise has been. Hired as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021, Johnson quickly became one of the most respected young minds in football. In just two seasons under his leadership, the Lions offense transformed from a mediocre unit into one of the most potent in the NFL, helping elevate Jared Goff’s play and making stars out of players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs.
What stands out most about Johnson is his ability to adjust and adapt his offensive schemes based on personnel. He has a keen eye for developing young talent, has shown a natural affinity for balancing the run and pass, and has the creativity needed to keep defenses off balance. As a result, Johnson’s name has been circulating in coaching rumors for teams looking to install a dynamic and modern offense. With his track record, the interest is understandable, but the question remains: Which of these two franchises will ultimately land him?
### The Jacksonville Jaguars: A Rising Power
The Jaguars, under head coach Doug Pederson, have made significant strides in recent years, culminating in a playoff berth in 2023. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick, has shown signs of becoming the star everyone expected him to be. With a supporting cast of talented players, including running back Travis Etienne and wide receiver Christian Kirk, the Jaguars are on the rise in the AFC South. In 2023, they were one of the most exciting teams in the league, often playing with a high-octane offense led by Lawrence.
However, as good as the Jaguars offense has been, there’s still room for growth. Jacksonville’s offensive line play was inconsistent at times, and while Lawrence showed flashes of brilliance, there were still moments where his decision-making and consistency were questioned. This is where Ben Johnson could make a major impact. A young, offensive-minded coach like Johnson could be just what Lawrence needs to take his game to the next level.
With Pederson firmly in place as head coach, Johnson would be joining a stable organization with a clear vision. The opportunity to work with a quarterback like Lawrence, who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the league, is an enticing proposition. There’s also the matter of Jacksonville’s growing potential in a weak division. If the Jaguars continue their upward trajectory, Johnson would be in position to oversee an offense that could dominate the AFC South for years to come.
### The Chicago Bears: A New Beginning
On the other hand, the Chicago Bears offer a very different, but equally intriguing opportunity. Despite struggling in recent years, the Bears have a wealth of cap space and draft capital to build a competitive team. More importantly, they have a young, athletic quarterback in Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite being hampered by a lackluster offensive line and inconsistent receiving weapons.
Fields’ development is arguably one of the most important storylines for the Bears in 2024 and beyond. Under the right guidance, Fields has the potential to become one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league. However, the Bears’ offense has struggled to find its rhythm since Fields was drafted, and much of that is attributed to questionable playcalling, poor protection, and a lack of creativity.
This is where Ben Johnson could make a huge difference. Fields’ ability as a dual-threat quarterback would be complemented by Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes, which could maximize Fields’ strengths and put him in positions to succeed. Johnson’s ability to develop young talent could also help him mold a Bears offense that has the potential to become one of the league’s more dynamic units, especially if the front office invests in building up the supporting cast around Fields.
Additionally, the Bears’ franchise is in a state of flux. While the front office has made moves to improve, including hiring a new general manager and building through the draft, the team has yet to establish a true culture of winning. Taking the reins of the offense in Chicago would give Johnson the chance to help shape that culture from the ground up, which could be very appealing to a coach looking to make a mark in the NFL.
### The Decision: Jaguars or Bears?
Now that we’ve explored both options, the question is: which opportunity is more appealing to Ben Johnson?
The Jaguars offer immediate stability, a proven head coach in Doug Pederson, and the chance to work with a young star quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. There’s a strong foundation in place in Jacksonville, and Johnson could be seen as the missing piece to help the team take the next step in its development.
On the other hand, the Bears represent a more challenging, but potentially more rewarding opportunity. Chicago has a lot of work to do to build a consistent winning culture, and Johnson could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the offense. Fields’ raw talent gives Johnson the opportunity to help craft an offense that could be among the most exciting in the NFL, but it would require patience and a long-term commitment to player development.
In the end, Johnson’s decision may come down to the kind of challenge he’s looking for in his coaching career. If he wants to join a team with a stable infrastructure and a more immediate path to success, the Jaguars might be the better option. If he’s looking to take on a project, develop a young quarterback, and help build a franchise from the ground up, the Bears could be the perfect fit.
### Conclusion
As of now, it’s still unclear which way Ben Johnson will lean when it comes to his next coaching destination. However, what’s certain is that both the Jaguars and Bears present exciting opportunities for the talented offensive coordinator. His decision will ultimately hinge on his personal goals, whether he’s more interested in an immediate playoff contender like Jacksonville or the chance to build something from the ground up with Chicago. Regardless of the choice, one thing is for certain: Ben Johnson is one of the brightest young coaching minds in the NFL, and whichever team lands him will be in a better position to succeed offensively for years to come.
