As the Chicago Bears continue their search for a new direction amid another disappointing season, fans have been vocal in their desire for a change at the top. While head coach Matt Eberflus remains in charge for now, speculation is mounting that the Bears could be looking elsewhere for leadership, especially to rejuvenate one of the most anemic offenses in the NFL. The latest name gaining traction in Chicago’s coaching search is Ben Johnson , the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, whose innovative approach has transformed the Lions’ attack into one of the most dangerous in the league.
The Bears’ offense has been a long-standing issue. Despite having a dynamic quarterback in Justin Fields, Chicago has struggled to develop a consistent and explosive offense. Fields’ growth has been stunted by a lack of protection, questionable play-calling, and inconsistent offensive schemes. While the Bears’ defense has often been their strength, the offensive woes have left fans frustrated and searching for answers. Many now believe that Ben Johnson, the mastermind behind the Lions’ revitalized offense, could be the perfect solution to lead the Bears out of their offensive doldrums.
The Rise of Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. After a few years as a positional coach, he was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Lions in 2022. Johnson quickly turned Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s most efficient and creative units, helping quarterback Jared Goff rediscover his form and guiding the Lions to their first winning season in years. In 2023, the Lions continued to shine, with a high-powered offense that put up big numbers and kept defenses guessing week after week.
Johnson’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, he’s shown an ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players. Under Johnson, Goff has been reborn, with the former Rams quarterback benefiting from Johnson’s emphasis on play-action, quick throws, and innovative route concepts. The Lions’ offense has been known for its ability to stretch the field and utilize a variety of weapons—whether it’s Goff, running back David Montgomery, or the young, talented wide receiver corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Johnson’s offense is also marked by its versatility. He has built a system that incorporates both the run and pass in a balanced way, making it unpredictable and difficult to defend. With the Lions, he’s used motion, misdirection, and creative formations to keep opposing defenses on their toes. In short, Johnson has done what the Bears have struggled to do: build an offense that’s both efficient and exciting.
Bears Fans Hungry for Change
Bears fans, frustrated by years of offensive ineptitude, are clamoring for a head coach who can unlock the potential of Justin Fields and bring much-needed excitement to the franchise. Fields, who was drafted by the Bears as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to maintain consistent play due to a combination of poor coaching, subpar offensive line play, and lack of quality receiving talent.
In 2023, Fields took a step forward in his development, particularly as a runner. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the Bears’ offense still lacked structure, and Fields’ passing game remained underdeveloped. There were flashes of brilliance, but they were too often overshadowed by mistakes and missed opportunities. Fans have seen enough of the same script and are eager for a fresh, forward-thinking approach.
Enter Ben Johnson. Bears fans are increasingly voicing their support for the idea of bringing the 37-year-old offensive mastermind to Chicago. Johnson’s ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks and adapt to different situations has won him praise around the league. He’s also proven that he can build an offense from the ground up, which is exactly what the Bears need. With a quarterback like Fields, who has shown promise but needs direction, Johnson could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
What Johnson Could Bring to Chicago
If the Bears were to hire Ben Johnson as their next head coach, several immediate benefits could follow. For one, Johnson’s offensive system would likely be an immediate upgrade over what the Bears have run under Eberflus and former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Chicago would likely see a more explosive offense that incorporates modern concepts like RPOs (run-pass options), play-action, and creative motion to free up its playmakers.
For Justin Fields, Johnson’s expertise in developing quarterbacks would be invaluable. Fields, a dynamic athlete with great mobility and arm strength, has shown he can be a game-changer with the right system. However, he’s still developing as a passer, and a coach like Johnson—who knows how to build an offense around a mobile quarterback—could be the ideal fit. Johnson has experience working with quarterbacks like Goff, who has similarities to Fields in terms of skill set. If Johnson can help Fields take the next step as a passer, Chicago could finally have the franchise quarterback they’ve been desperately seeking for decades.
Johnson’s offensive acumen also extends beyond just quarterbacks. He’s demonstrated a keen understanding of how to integrate a potent running game into his offense. The Bears have a solid backfield, with young running back Khalil Herbert leading the charge. Johnson could help build a system that not only maximizes the talents of Herbert but also creates opportunities for big plays in the running game. The play-action game, which Johnson has used so effectively in Detroit, could be a perfect fit for Fields’ skill set, making the Bears’ offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Furthermore, Johnson’s ability to develop and use a diverse set of weapons would be a breath of fresh air in Chicago. The Bears’ receiving corps has been lacking in star power, but there are promising pieces in place, including Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, along with young talent like rookie Tyler Scott. With Johnson’s creativity, the Bears could finally unlock the potential of their receiving group, allowing them to become a more dynamic passing offense.
The Rivalry Factor
Hiring a coach from a division rival like the Detroit Lions would not be without its drama. The Bears and Lions have a long-standing NFC North rivalry, and Johnson’s success in Detroit would surely add an extra layer of tension to this storyline. Bears fans, however, seem undeterred by the idea of taking a coach from the Lions, seeing it as a necessary step to improve their own team.
In fact, some Chicago fans view the potential hiring of Johnson as a way to not only improve the Bears but also to weaken the Lions. Detroit has been a surprise contender in the NFC North, and bringing in Johnson as the Bears’ head coach would represent a coup for Chicago—an attempt to steal a key asset from a growing division rival.
Conclusion
The possibility of Ben Johnson becoming the next head coach of the Chicago Bears has generated significant excitement among fans who are eager to see their team’s offense finally reach its full potential. Johnson’s innovative approach to offense, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his success with the Detroit Lions make him an appealing candidate to lead the Bears into a new era of offensive football. While much remains to be seen regarding the future of Matt Eberflus, Bears fans are already hoping that the franchise will make the bold move to hire Johnson and provide the fresh start that this team desperately needs.
If Chicago can land Ben Johnson, it could be the spark the Bears need to become a legitimate contender in the NFC. With the right coach in place, Justin Fields could take the next step, and the Bears’ offense could finally become a force to be reckoned with. For now, the Bears’ fanbase waits, hoping that the franchise will make the right decision to restore its once-proud legacy.
