Breaking News: Chicago Bears to Interview Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson for Head Coach Position

In a move that is sure to stir up excitement and speculation in the NFL coaching circles, the Chicago Bears have confirmed that they will be interviewing Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head coach position this Saturday, January 11, 2025. The Bears, who are in the midst of a significant organizational overhaul following a disappointing season, are looking to inject fresh energy into their franchise, and Johnson has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over the reins.

Johnson’s rise through the ranks has been swift and impressive. After joining the Lions’ staff as an offensive assistant in 2019, he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and effective minds in the NFL, particularly in terms of developing and executing offensive schemes. His work with the Lions’ offense this past season has been widely praised, with Detroit experiencing a significant turnaround in their offensive performance. The 2024 season saw the Lions become one of the most dynamic and explosive offenses in the league, and much of that success is attributed to Johnson’s strategic approach and ability to maximize the potential of his players.

Now, as the Bears look to turn the page on a season filled with frustration and unmet expectations, they are eyeing Johnson as a potential game-changer for their own offense, which has struggled mightily in recent years. The team’s search for a new head coach is crucial as they look to develop their young quarterback, Justin Fields, and create an offensive identity that can compete at the highest levels of the NFL.

Ben Johnson’s Rapid Rise in the NFL

Ben Johnson’s career has been marked by a steady ascent through the coaching ranks, culminating in his current role as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. After starting his coaching career at the college level, Johnson made the jump to the NFL, where he initially worked as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins. His ability to understand offensive concepts and his sharp football mind caught the attention of NFL executives, leading to a job with the Lions in 2019.

Over the years, Johnson has worked his way up, and by 2022, he was promoted to offensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Lions offense has seen a dramatic improvement. The 2024 season was a breakout year for the team, as the offense finished near the top of the league in several key categories, including total yards and points per game. Johnson’s ability to build a balanced, high-powered offense that features a strong running game and an explosive passing attack has made him a highly coveted coaching prospect.

One of Johnson’s key achievements has been his development of quarterback Jared Goff, who had struggled in Los Angeles before being traded to Detroit. Under Johnson’s tutelage, Goff has returned to Pro Bowl form, thriving in a system that allows him to make quick, decisive throws while minimizing turnovers. Johnson’s play-calling is creative, and he has shown an ability to adapt his schemes to fit the strengths of his personnel. Whether through innovative use of motion, tempo, or formations, Johnson’s offense has kept opposing defenses off balance.

Additionally, Johnson has been instrumental in the development of several key players on the Lions’ roster, including running back Jamaal Williams and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams had a breakout year in 2024, rushing for over 1,200 yards and finding the end zone frequently, while St. Brown emerged as one of the league’s top young receivers. Johnson’s ability to get the best out of his players, both veteran and young, has made him one of the most respected offensive minds in the league.

The Chicago Bears’ Search for a Head Coach

The Chicago Bears are no strangers to coaching changes. The team has gone through a number of coaching changes over the past two decades, and each time they have hoped to find the right leader to guide them back to relevance. However, they have been largely unsuccessful in achieving sustained success, with the franchise’s most recent high point coming in 2018 when they made it to the NFC Divisional Round.

Despite the presence of promising young talent like quarterback Justin Fields and standout defensive players such as linebacker Roquan Smith, the Bears have struggled to build a cohesive, competitive team. Their offense, in particular, has been a major point of concern. While Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, he has yet to reach his full potential, largely due to inconsistent play-calling, a lack of weapons at wide receiver, and a porous offensive line.

The Bears fired their previous head coach, Matt Eberflus, after the team’s underwhelming performance during the 2024 season, signaling that the franchise is ready for a new direction. The next hire will be crucial for the future of the franchise, particularly in terms of developing Fields into a top-tier quarterback and building an offense that can complement the team’s solid defense.

As of now, the Bears have been casting a wide net, interviewing several candidates, including Ben Johnson, who has quickly emerged as one of the most attractive prospects. Johnson’s success in Detroit, along with his ability to develop young quarterbacks and build explosive offenses, makes him an ideal fit for a team that has struggled to find offensive consistency. For the Bears, hiring Johnson could represent a new era for the franchise—one that is focused on innovation, offensive creativity, and maximizing the potential of their young players.

What Ben Johnson Could Bring to the Chicago Bears

If Johnson were to be hired as head coach of the Chicago Bears, he would bring a number of qualities that could immediately improve the team’s fortunes. First and foremost, his offensive acumen is unmatched. Johnson has proven he can build a high-powered offense from the ground up, and his ability to get the best out of his players would be a welcome change for the Bears, who have often struggled to generate consistent offensive production.

In particular, Johnson’s work with quarterbacks will be a major asset to Fields, who has the physical tools to be an elite quarterback but has yet to realize his potential. Johnson’s ability to work with a young quarterback—building around his strengths and masking his weaknesses—would be vital for the Bears’ long-term success. With the right coaching, Fields could make significant strides in his development under Johnson’s guidance.

Additionally, Johnson’s innovative approach to offensive play-calling would be a breath of fresh air for the Bears. The team has struggled with creativity in recent years, with offensive schemes often appearing predictable and uninspired. Johnson’s ability to design creative plays, use motion, and create mismatches would be a huge boost for the Bears’ offense, making it more dynamic and harder to defend.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Johnson’s potential impact on the Bears is his ability to develop and build around talent. The Bears have several promising young players on their roster, and Johnson’s experience in nurturing and maximizing talent would help elevate the overall level of the team. With a coach who understands how to get the best out of his players, the Bears could begin to see significant improvement on both sides of the ball.

The Impact on the Detroit Lions

If Johnson does indeed leave the Lions to take the Bears’ head coaching job, it would be a significant loss for Detroit. Johnson has become a key figure in the Lions’ turnaround, and his departure would leave a sizable void in the team’s offensive coaching staff. However, Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are known for their strong leadership and will likely be prepared to fill the void with a capable replacement.

For the Lions, keeping Johnson could be a critical part of their long-term success. The team is on an upward trajectory, and losing a key figure like Johnson could set them back. However, with the franchise in a strong position, they will need to work quickly to ensure that the offensive coordinator role is filled by someone who can continue to build on the foundation Johnson has established.

Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Interview

As the Chicago Bears prepare for their interview with Ben Johnson this Saturday, January 11, 2025, the excitement and speculation surrounding the hiring process will only intensify. The decision to hire Johnson could be a defining moment for the franchise, and the impact of this interview could shape the future of the Bears for years to come.

Bears fans are hoping that Johnson’s fresh perspective and offensive prowess will be the spark that their team needs to finally become a perennial contender. For Johnson, the opportunity to take the helm of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises is a career-defining moment—one that could elevate him to the ranks of elite head coaches in the league.

With Johnson’s interview scheduled for Saturday, all eyes will be on the Bears to see if they decide to make him the face of their franchise. If successful, this hire could usher in a new era of success for the Chicago Bears and put the team back on the path toward championship contention.