Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson likely thought he’d be leading Detroit’s offense for at least another few weeks.
However, his season ended prematurely when Detroit suffered a devastating 45-31 Wild Card loss to the Washington Commanders, and thus Johnson hit the open market as the top available coaching candidate.
On Monday afternoon, the Chicago Bears wasted little time snatching him up as ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced that Johnson was finalizing a deal with the Lions’ NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it clear after the team’s loss that he knew he would lose Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching gigs elsewhere.
However, little did Campbell know that Johnson would now be positioned to square off against him twice a year.
Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. pic.twitter.com/UwlLk3wNJZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Fans quickly had a lot to say about this one.
Wow! I can’t believe they got it done. So happy for Bears fans!
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 20, 2025
Leaving for within the division? Oof
I feel bad for Lions fans. This was their best chance at a title in my lifetime
— Justin (@Justin__NC) January 20, 2025
Buy Caleb Williams stock
— Brian Drake (@DrakeFantasy) January 20, 2025
A literal perfect hire
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) January 20, 2025
It was only a matter of time before Johnson ascended to head coaching status, and the Bears will now have the league’s most popular and exciting young offensive mind running the show to pair with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback.
This is exactly the kind of hire you make after drafting a Heisman-winning quarterback first overall, as the Bears offense was frustrating to watch during Caleb’s rookie year despite his solid numbers.
Now that its main innovator is leaving town, Detroit has big shoes to fill.
It will be fun to see this rivalry develop now that Johnson will face the Lions twice a year.
NEXT: Chris Simms Reveals The Team That Makes Most Sense For Ben Johnson
