In a pivotal moment for the Chicago Bears’ long-term rebuild, an update from Adam Schefter has provided a significant spark of optimism for fans and analysts alike. The report focused on Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, and how his name has increasingly been linked to head coaching opportunities, including with the Bears. As the team continues its search for a path to return to playoff contention, the prospect of hiring an offensive mind like Johnson, known for his innovative play calling and ability to develop young quarterbacks, provides a glimmer of hope for the future.
The potential addition of Ben Johnson to the Bears’ coaching staff would mark a significant step in the right direction. The Bears have long been plagued by offensive inconsistencies and struggles in developing their young quarterback, Justin Fields. In contrast, Johnson has been at the helm of one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses in Detroit, turning Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and overseeing an offense that ranked among the league’s best in 2024. With such a track record, the idea of him leading the Bears’ offense is tantalizing. This article will explore why Johnson’s potential hiring could change the course of the Bears’ future, and how it compares to other teams’ head coaching searches and offensive strategies.
The Bears’ Current Offensive Struggles
To understand the magnitude of the optimism surrounding Ben Johnson, it’s crucial to first look at the current state of the Bears’ offense. Since 2006, the Bears have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. This ongoing issue has been the primary driver of their offensive woes, limiting the team’s overall potential. After years of trying various quarterbacks, including Jay Cutler, Mitch Trubisky, and Andy Dalton, the team turned to Justin Fields in 2021, hoping he could be the long-awaited franchise quarterback.
Fields is a talented dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and impressive mobility. However, his development has been stunted due to inconsistent coaching, lackluster offensive line play, and a severe shortage of reliable playmakers. While Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, he has yet to consistently put together complete games, and his growth has been hindered by a lack of offensive structure and a system that hasn’t fully maximized his strengths.
The Bears have a strong foundation on defense, led by Roquan Smith and a solid secondary, but their offensive struggles have been the biggest hindrance to becoming a serious contender. Despite having a solid group of running backs, including Khalil Herbert and the promising D’Onta Foreman, and some young receivers like Darnell Mooney, the Bears’ offense has never quite found its identity.
The hiring of Ben Johnson, who has a proven ability to create explosive, dynamic offenses, could be just what the Bears need to address these issues. His reputation as an innovative mind and his experience with quarterback development offer the potential for a significant turnaround.
Ben Johnson’s Success in Detroit
Johnson’s rise to prominence as one of the league’s most exciting offensive coordinators has been nothing short of remarkable. When he was hired by the Detroit Lions in 2021, the team’s offense was ranked among the league’s worst. Jared Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick who had seen his career take a downward turn after leaving the Los Angeles Rams, appeared to be a lost cause. Detroit’s offense lacked cohesion, playmakers, and creativity. However, under Johnson’s stewardship, Goff was revitalized, and the Lions’ offense quickly became one of the most potent in the league.
Johnson’s system is rooted in an adaptable, balanced approach that emphasizes both the passing and running game. His ability to design creative route concepts and his knack for getting the most out of his players has been evident. He utilizes play action, motion, and misdirection to keep opposing defenses off balance. Most notably, Johnson has been able to play to the strengths of his quarterbacks. Goff, once considered a limited passer, became a Pro Bowl candidate under Johnson’s tutelage, setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. The Lions finished 2024 with one of the top offenses in terms of yards per game and points per game, underscoring the success of Johnson’s scheme.
One of the key elements of Johnson’s success has been his ability to develop and maximize the potential of his quarterbacks. Goff’s revival under Johnson is an example of how he tailors his offense to fit the quarterback’s strengths. This is especially important for a team like the Bears, who are still waiting for Fields to make the leap as a true franchise quarterback. Johnson’s ability to bring out the best in a quarterback, particularly in terms of accuracy, decision-making, and poise, would be invaluable for Fields as he continues to develop.
What Johnson Could Bring to the Bears
If the Bears are able to secure Ben Johnson as their next head coach or offensive coordinator, the potential for their offense to improve drastically is high. Johnson’s reputation for creativity, adaptability, and player development makes him an ideal candidate to lead a team that is desperate to improve its offensive output.
1. Quarterback Development
At the forefront of Johnson’s skill set is his ability to develop quarterbacks. Fields has shown significant promise but still requires guidance to refine his decision-making, consistency, and mechanics. Johnson’s experience working with Goff—who had similar struggles early in his career—suggests he could be the perfect coach to help Fields take that next step.
Fields has the athleticism and arm strength to be a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, but his development has been marred by inconsistent coaching. Johnson’s system would allow Fields to lean into his strengths—his mobility and ability to make plays off script—while also improving his accuracy, decision-making, and poise in the pocket. A move toward a more structured offense under Johnson could unlock Fields’ potential and help him take full advantage of the talent surrounding him.
2. A More Dynamic Offense
One of the trademarks of Johnson’s offensive philosophy is the balance between the run and pass game, as well as his ability to utilize playmakers in creative ways. The Bears have some solid pieces on offense, including a talented running back group and a wide receiver corps that, while young, has shown flashes of potential. Johnson’s system could allow the Bears to run an offense that is both unpredictable and highly efficient.
The Bears’ offensive line, which has often been a weak link in the past, could also benefit from Johnson’s play-calling. His emphasis on play-action and movement would give the offensive line more time to set up plays and help protect Fields. Additionally, Johnson’s ability to design schemes that maximize the potential of running backs would create more opportunities for Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman to make an impact.
3. Creative Play Calling
Johnson’s creativity in play design is another key asset that could bring much-needed innovation to the Bears’ offense. His use of motion, shifting, and misdirection would give opposing defenses headaches. The ability to shift the defense’s attention and create mismatches—whether it’s in the running game or the passing game—would allow Fields and his weapons to make plays at a higher rate.
The Bears have struggled to create explosive plays, but Johnson’s ability to scheme open receivers and build around mismatches would provide Fields with more opportunities to succeed. Additionally, the focus on utilizing the running game in tandem with the passing attack would make the offense more balanced and difficult to stop, something that has eluded the Bears in recent seasons.
The Impact on the Bears’ Rebuild
Hiring Ben Johnson would signify a major commitment to developing a modern, explosive offense that is designed to compete in today’s NFL. It would send a clear message that the Bears are serious about supporting Justin Fields and giving him the best possible chance to succeed. Given that Fields is still on his rookie contract, the Bears have the financial flexibility to invest in the right pieces around him—whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or developing their young players.
In comparison to other teams in a similar rebuilding phase, the Bears could significantly accelerate their progress with the right leadership on offense. Teams like the Detroit Lions, who made a substantial leap in 2024, have proven that a well-developed offensive system and a franchise quarterback can be the foundation for a rapid turnaround. For the Bears, securing Ben Johnson would be a step toward creating that type of offensive identity—a step that could quickly pay dividends in the form of more victories and, ultimately, playoff contention.
Conclusion
Adam Schefter’s update linking Ben Johnson to the Bears’ coaching search has given fans hope for a brighter future. The prospect of bringing in an innovative, creative offensive mind like Johnson is precisely what the Bears need to unlock the potential of their offense and quarterback, Justin Fields. Johnson’s proven success with Jared Goff, his ability to design dynamic offenses, and his talent for developing quarterbacks make him an ideal candidate for the Bears as they seek to rebuild and return to playoff contention.
While hiring Johnson is far from a guarantee, the optimism surrounding his potential arrival speaks to the Bears’ growing awareness of the importance of offensive innovation in today’s NFL. With the right leadership in place, the Bears could quickly transform from a team mired in mediocrity to a legitimate playoff contender. For Bears fans, the idea of Ben Johnson taking the reins is a reason to believe that the future, though uncertain, holds a much brighter promise.