The Detroit Lions’ season was cut short by the Washington Commanders on Saturday, as they were defeated 45-31 in the Divisional Round.
It didn’t take long for the organization to see major shakeups as a result of the upset. Stellar offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was widely regarded as the top head coaching candidate of this hiring cycle, already decided on his future. On Monday afternoon, Johnson agreed to become the Chicago Bears’ next head coach, teaming up with last year’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
While almost everyone anticipated Johnson would leave the Lions for a bigger opportunity, few expected the decision to come so soon, sparking an uproar on social media.
How Did Bears, Lions Fans React To The Major Coaching Change?
The majority of both fanbases reacted predictably.
Chicago fans were ecstatic about the hire, predicting a Super Bowl will be coming their way in the near future, while Detroit fans were understandably left in a panic spiral.
“CHICAGO BEARS 2026 SUPER BOWL CHAMPS,” one fan posted. “CALEB WILLIAMS MVP.”
CHICAGO BEARS 2026 SUPER BOWL CHAMPS.
CALEB WILLIAMS MVP
— The Staggie Man (@thestaggieman) January 20, 2025
“The bears are making non-poverty franchise moves?!! I’m dreaming right?” another user comically wrote.
The bears are making non-poverty franchise moves?!! I’m dream right?
— OmegaRecon (@OmegaRecon) January 20, 2025
Other Bears fans were not so optimistic about the move due to Johnson’s lack of experience.
Johnson started coaching in 2009 as a graduate assistant and tight ends coach for Boston College. In 2012, he got his first gig in the NFL, working a multitude of roles (assistant QB coach, assistant WR coach, wide receivers coach) with the Miami Dolphins until 2019 when he joined the Lions’ staff. He spent a few seasons as Detroit’s tight ends coach and offensive quality control coach before taking over as the offensive coordinator in 2022.
“As a Bears fan, what a terrible hire. Let’s bring in another coordinator with 0 HC experience that we can fire in 3 years and repeat. Dumpster fire,” one fan complained.
As a Bears fan, what a terrible hire. Let's bring in another coordinator with 0 HC experience that we can fire in 3 years and repeat. Dumpster fire.
— B (@GoBucks5240) January 20, 2025
“Ngl, as a lifelong Bears fan I kinda think we’re making a mistake with Ben Johnson over Mike McCarthy,” another posted. “Mike brings experience, fantastic playcalling and elite leadership while Ben Johnson lost the lions their playoff game. This is coming from a lifelong bears fan btw.”
The concerns about Johnson are valid due to a lack of experience, but he also led arguably the best offensive unit in the league this season. In fact, PFN’s Offense+ ranked Detroit No. 1 on the year.
For this exact reason, Lions fans were left in shambles at the breaking news. Some were especially upset that Johnson left them to join an NFC North rival in the Bears.
“Ben Johnson to the Bears unfortunately would permanently change my feelings on him,” a Detroit fan posted. “Can’t leave for a division rival & expect me to have your back. Now you have as good of intel on us as anyone in the league. Anywhere else and I can stomach it and wish him well.”
Ben Johnson to the Bears unfortunately would permanently change my feelings on him. Can’t leave for a division rival & expect me to have your back.
Now you have as good of intel on us as anyone in the league.
Anywhere else and I can stomach it and wish him well.
— 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟑𝟒𝟒 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 (@Section344Lions) January 20, 2025
Another Lions fan was much more blunt, writing: “i hope ben johnson fails.”
i hope ben johnson fails
— AMONG US ST BROWN (@That1LionsFan) January 20, 2025
The vision for Chicago is clear: allow Johnson to build a culture and system where Williams can evolve into the superstar QB he appeared to be coming out of USC.
As for the Lions, the hope is to bounce back from a disappointing postseason.
With Johnson gone and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn potentially on the way out as well, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about the possibility of having to hire two new coordinators.
“I think we have guys on staff that are more than qualified and would be outstanding in those roles,” Campbell said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not looking outside either. So, I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible — and we don’t lose what we’re about and our identity. …
“I’m not gonna be in a hurry [to find replacements]. I’m not in a mad dash. No matter what happens, I want to do what’s right by our team. Those guys will be able to stand in front of that room and command respect and get everybody going in the same direction and will ultimately deliver the same message that I’m delivering.”