The Chicago Bears have appointed Ben Johnson, previously the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, as their new head coach.
Johnson, who has led the Lions’ offence for the last three seasons, steps into the role left vacant after Matt Eberflus was dismissed in November.
This makes Johnson the 19th head coach in the Bears’ 105-year history.
Johnson, 38, became available after the Lions, the NFC’s top seed, suffered a shock defeat to the Washington Commanders in the play-offs.
The Bears initially conducted a virtual interview with Johnson on 11 January during Detroit’s play-off bye week. Johnson also interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots for head coaching roles.
In a statement, Johnson expressed his excitement for his new role: “The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase. … Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honoured to be their head coach.”
A new era in Chicago.
Welcome to the Bears, Coach! 🐻⬇️
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 21, 2025
“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect. A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centred on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success,” general manager Ryan Poles added in a statement.
Johnson had previously declined interest from other teams in recent years but now takes the helm in Chicago, where he will coach quarterback Caleb Williams.
He is renowned for his creative playcalling and led the Lions to consecutive top-10 offensive finishes.
During the 2024 season, the team ranked second overall and first in points scored, finishing 15-2. Over his three seasons as offensive coordinator, the Lions’ average of 28.2 points per game was the best in the NFL. By contrast, the Bears have only achieved four seasons averaging 26 or more points per game in the Super Bowl era (1985, 2006, 2013, and 2018).
The Bears, who ended their 5-12 season at the bottom of the NFC North, have struggled with first-year head coaches. Since George Halas retired in 1967, only one out of 12 full-time head coaches – Matt Nagy in 2018 – has managed a winning debut season.
Johnson’s challenge will be to develop Williams, much as he did with Jared Goff in Detroit. When Johnson became offensive coordinator in 2022, Goff’s Total quarterback rating jumped from 46 to 63, aided by reduced sacks.
Williams, whose QBR was 47 during his rookie season (28th in the league), was sacked a league-high 68 times.
Johnson also inherits a team with significant resources, including the 10th overall draft pick, four selections in the top 72, and an estimated $74.8 million in salary cap space (the fourth most in the league).
