If you can’t beat ‘em, get ‘em to join you.
For the last three seasons, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been among the NFL’s most original, most innovative play-callers. He’s helped turn Jared Goff into an MVP candidate; coming into Week 16, his well-balanced unit led the league in scoring, and he does stuff like a ridiculous fake stumble touchdown play.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have cycled through three OCs in the last calendar year (Luke Getsy, Shane Waldron, and Thomas Brown), none of whom have been able to deliver anything close to a playoff-caliber offense. For that matter, it could be argued that the franchise hasn’t had a top-shelf OC since a sort-of-past-his-prime Mike Martz called plays in the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Insider Lays Out Ben Johnson’s Potential Move
Chicago media has speculated about a Johnson/Bears marriage, but that smoke has officially become fire.
NFL Network’s @TomPelissero reports that Ben Johnson is interested in the #Bears head coaching job. pic.twitter.com/IUu5YYMpfd
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 22, 2024
Just before the Lions beat down the Bears 34-17 on Sunday, Pelissero said, “The Bears might be getting a look at their next head coach,” adding, “My understanding is that Johnson is intrigued by the Bears job, and he is going to be willing to listen.”
Makes sense. Sure, the Lions look like they’re poised to be a perennial contender, but the opportunity to resurrect one of the league’s flagship franchises might be too good to pass up for the 38-year-old.
Sure, the Bears have struggled throughout the season, but on certain levels, Johnson would be heading into an attractive situation. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is improving by the week — his 334-yard, two-touchdown, zero-interception performance during Sunday’s Bears loss was among his finest outings of the season.
The Bears have cap space galore, and they boast a frisky wide receivers room (DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, primarily) just waiting for some quality direction.
Johnson will likely ask for a chunky contract, full personnel control, and potentially the opportunity to handpick his own general manager — three things that one wouldn’t expect the traditionally conservative Bears to deliver.
But if they want a coach who can hang in today’s NFL, they’ll have to break tradition. And if a back-to-back-to-back losing seasons don’t merit a break, nothing will.