In a stunning move that is sure to shift the landscape of the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have officially announced the hiring of Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach. The decision marks a bold new chapter for the Bears as they look to build a consistent contender after years of instability and underperformance.
Johnson, 38, was one of the most sought-after names in the 2025 NFL coaching carousel, drawing interest from several teams due to his instrumental role in transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the most potent and balanced attacks in the league. Known for his innovative play-calling, creative schemes, and quarterback-friendly approach, Johnson helped Detroit rise from mediocrity to relevance under head coach Dan Campbell.
The Bears’ front office, led by General Manager Ryan Poles, moved swiftly after the conclusion of the regular season to secure Johnson, signaling a clear commitment to revamping the team’s offensive identity and surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams—whom the Bears selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft—with the support and structure needed for long-term success.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ben Johnson as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears,” Poles said in a team statement. “Ben is a proven leader with a brilliant football mind, and his track record of developing quarterbacks and leading top-tier offenses makes him the right person to lead our team into the future. We believe he brings a fresh and focused vision that aligns with the direction we’re headed.”
Johnson’s rise through the NFL ranks has been steady and impressive. After joining the Lions in 2019 as a quality control coach, he quickly climbed the ladder, eventually taking over the offensive coordinator role in 2022. Under his guidance, Detroit consistently ranked near the top of the league in yards per game, red zone efficiency, and third-down conversions. He also played a pivotal role in reviving quarterback Jared Goff’s career, which many see as a promising sign for his ability to develop young talent like Williams.
The move is not without controversy, however, particularly given the deep-seated rivalry between the Lions and Bears. Johnson’s departure is a significant loss for Detroit, a team that had reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in decades. Lions fans and players alike expressed mixed emotions on social media, offering both congratulations and disappointment at the news.
For the Bears, the hire represents a shift in philosophy. Long known for defensive tradition and conservative football, Chicago is now embracing the offensive innovation that has become the hallmark of successful modern NFL franchises.
Johnson is expected to begin assembling his coaching staff in the coming days, with a focus on experienced coordinators and a developmental team to nurture young talent. His first major task will be establishing a strong foundation with Williams and guiding the Bears through what is expected to be a pivotal offseason in free agency and the draft.
With Ben Johnson at the helm, Chicago hopes to turn the page on years of frustration and become a consistent playoff contender in a division that is suddenly more competitive than ever.
