The Chicago Bears are finalizing an agreement with Ben Johnson to become the team’s next head coach, according to multiple sources. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick from last year, will now have the opportunity to grow under one of the league’s most innovative offensive minds.
Johnson, 38, has spent the last three seasons as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, gaining recognition as a quarterback expert and daring play-caller. Initially, he survived the previous coaching regime, serving as an offensive quality control and tight ends coach under former Lions head coach Matt Patricia.
However, Johnson and Dan Campbell, the Lions’ current head coach, had previously crossed paths with the Miami Dolphins, and Campbell retained him as passing game coordinator during his first year in Detroit. When Campbell took over play-calling duties midway through that season, Johnson assumed a more prominent role in the offense.
Since then, Johnson has thrived, helping quarterback Jared Goff exceed expectations after many had written him off. As a result, Johnson has been a leading candidate for head coaching positions over the past few years.
Two years ago, despite being the frontrunner for the Carolina Panthers’ job, he declined an interview. This year, although he had other opportunities, Johnson chose to return to Detroit to continue his work as the offensive coordinator.
However, after the Lions’ recent divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, Campbell acknowledged that he expected to lose both Johnson and the defensive coordinator. “I would expect to lose both, but I haven’t been told anything,” Campbell said. “I just — I’ve got a feeling. But I’m prepared to lose both.”
Johnson had already met virtually with the Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars during the Lions’ first-round bye. Now that Detroit’s season has ended, he is free to meet in person with other teams.
“I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of, push the limits and see if he’s got what it takes,” Johnson shared last month. “And so, yeah, there’s a fire there. When that time is, I don’t know when that will be. But there’s a fire there.”
Johnson’s innovative playbook and fearless offense have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the league. The opportunity to coach last year’s No. 1 overall pick proved too tempting, even with the challenge of building a competitive team in the NFC North and facing the Lions twice every season.
Campbell, reflecting on his first season as head coach, admitted that he had been too focused on roster construction alongside general manager Brad Holmes, neglecting other areas like coaching hires.
He stressed that he would take a more hands-on approach this time around, whether the Lions opt for an internal or external hire for the offensive coordinator position. “I’m not going to allow that to happen,” Campbell affirmed. “I’m going to be involved no matter what because I think that’s best for our offense, but also (Jared) Goff.”
As the Lions seek a new offensive coordinator, several internal candidates are under consideration. Johnson’s potential move to Chicago could lead him to bring along an assistant coach.
Names to watch include passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El.
Goff is expected to have a say in the new hire. “What he says is going to have a — says a lot to me, I should say,” Campbell remarked of Goff’s opinion. “Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it’s not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me.”
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is making in-person interview plans with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. Glenn, with his deep ties to both organizations, could be on the move as well.
