The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to make Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their 19th head coach in franchise history.
Is Ben Johnson To The Bears A Done Deal?
A new day in Chicago: The #Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, per sources.
Johnson is set to fly there soon and contract parameters are in place. Barring a last-minute snag, the #Lions OC lands with an NFC North rival. pic.twitter.com/Y1i4lRtpw5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 20, 2025
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Johnson and the Bears have agreed to the contract parameters.
Johnson will soon fly to Chicago to sign the deal. Barring a last-minute change, Johnson will become the Bears’ next head coach.
Johnson’s hiring comes days after the top-seeded Lions were upset by the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round by a score of 45-31.
Since becoming the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Johnson has been one of the hottest head coaching candidates over the past few years.
During the 2023 offseason, Johnson was heavily recruited by the Carolina Panthers to become their next head coach. Last offseason, the Washington Commanders pegged Johnson as their top candidate.
Johnson could have reportedly had either job. However, Johnson elected to return to Detroit both times.
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell said he expects to lose both coordinators following the Lions season. pic.twitter.com/YzvpO5nahM
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 20, 2025
Ben Johnson Remains In NFC North With Move To Chicago
Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded coaching staff. The leading candidate to become his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/iJCbMLJSLe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 as the offensive quality control coach. After spending 2020 as the tight ends coach, Johnson was promoted to passing game coordinator midway through the 2021 season.
Johnson became the full-time offensive coordinator in February 2022, where he transformed the Lions into one of the five best offenses in the NFL.
Detroit’s offense finished first in points per game (33.2), second in passing yards per game (263.2), fifth in yards per game (409.5), and sixth in rushing yards per game (146.4).
Now, Johnson will remain in the NFC North as he becomes the 19th head coach of the Chicago Bears, replacing interim head coach Thomas Brown.
On November 29, 2024, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions. The Bears promoted Brown to interim head coach following Eberflus’ firing.
Johnson has reportedly assembled a staff to join him in Chicago.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is the leading candidate to become the Bears’ offensive coordinator.
Johnson will likely call plays for the Bears’ offense.
Johnson inherits a Bears team with a talented rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, and a stout defense.
The Bears finished last in the NFC North in 2024 with a 5-12 record.
