Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has reportedly accepted a head coaching role with the Chicago Bears.
The much-vaunted offensive guru’s signing has sent mixed signals across the NFL. The news broke less than two days after Detroit’s playoff exit.
Pat McAfee Admits His Surprise at Ben Johnson Hiring News
Pat McAfee recently had Adam “Pacman” Jones on his show, claiming Johnson would be signing a deal to be the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach. Those claims were largely considered unsubstantiated by insiders across the NFL.
News of Johnson accepting the Bears role has surprised the host of the daily football show. McAfee tweeted a one-word reaction to it: “Wowwwwwwww.”
🗣🗣 BREAKING: BEN JOHNSON TO BE THE HEAD COACH OF THE BEARS
Wowwwwwwww pic.twitter.com/klAU4ZZlSW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2025
McAfee then retweeted a segment by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter from last week. Schefter repeatedly emphasized that the Bears were the likeliest to land the coveted OC. The former Colts punter countered with his notion of the Bears front office and organization, which he termed “s****y.”
“I know everybody has Ben Johnson anointed to the Raiders but I’m not in that camp right now..
I don’t know where he’s gonna go but he’s gonna have three realistic options..
Why is everybody ignoring Chicago when it comes to Ben Johnson” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/oFuvEbdGrz
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2025
Most NFL fans agreed that the Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars were among the three teams most likely to land the 38-year-old. All three teams have a quarterback capable of at least starting-caliber play.
While the state of Chicago’s offensive line is undoubtedly a cause for concern, having a promising quarterback and a talented skill group places them in a good position for next year.
Johnson is one of the biggest risk-taking play-callers in the NFL. His utilization of pre-snap motions and trick plays would help unlock 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
Johnson takes advantage of his personnel’s strengths. Many Lions players have credited his influence on their performance and improved results.
Given his ability to create successful red-zone plays, the Bears finally have an offensive-minded head coach who has the potential to make them a watchable team — something many of their fans have lamented not having.
Perhaps Williams can break the curse and become the first Bears quarterback to tally 4,000 passing yards.