NFL

Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson To Become 19th Head Coach In Bears History

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The Bears Next Head Coach will be Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to make Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their 19th head coach in franchise history.

Is Ben Johnson To The Bears A Done Deal?

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Johnson and the Bears have agreed to the contract parameters.

Johnson will soon fly to Chicago to sign the deal. Barring a last-minute change, Johnson will become the Bears’ next head coach.

Johnson’s hiring comes days after the top-seeded Lions were upset by the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round by a score of 45-31.

Since becoming the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Johnson has been one of the hottest head coaching candidates over the past few years.

During the 2023 offseason, Johnson was heavily recruited by the Carolina Panthers to become their next head coach. Last offseason, the Washington Commanders pegged Johnson as their top candidate.

Johnson could have reportedly had either job. However, Johnson elected to return to Detroit both times.

Ben Johnson Remains In NFC North With Move To Chicago

Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 as the offensive quality control coach. After spending 2020 as the tight ends coach, Johnson was promoted to passing game coordinator midway through the 2021 season.

Johnson became the full-time offensive coordinator in February 2022, where he transformed the Lions into one of the five best offenses in the NFL.

Detroit’s offense finished first in points per game (33.2), second in passing yards per game (263.2), fifth in yards per game (409.5), and sixth in rushing yards per game (146.4).

Now, Johnson will remain in the NFC North as he becomes the 19th head coach of the Chicago Bears, replacing interim head coach Thomas Brown.

On November 29, 2024, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions. The Bears promoted Brown to interim head coach following Eberflus’ firing.

Johnson has reportedly assembled a staff to join him in Chicago.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is the leading candidate to become the Bears’ offensive coordinator.

Johnson will likely call plays for the Bears’ offense.

Johnson inherits a Bears team with a talented rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, and a stout defense.

The Bears finished last in the NFC North in 2024 with a 5-12 record.