The Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator from the Detroit Lions, has sparked optimism about a potential turnaround for the team’s struggling offense. After several years of offensive instability, the Bears hope Johnson can develop a system that maximizes their young talent, especially quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the question on many minds is how long it will take for Johnson to implement his vision and turn the Bears’ offense around.
Who is Ben Johnson?
Before delving into how long the turnaround will take, it’s important to understand who Ben Johnson is and why his hiring is seen as a game-changer. Johnson’s work with the Detroit Lions in 2022 and 2023 has garnered significant praise. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense became one of the most dynamic and high-scoring units in the NFL. Known for his creativity, adaptability, and ability to develop young quarterbacks, Johnson transformed the Lions’ offense from a bottom-tier group into one of the league’s best.
His system is built on quick, efficient passing, misdirection plays, and a balanced attack that doesn’t shy away from taking deep shots downfield. Johnson’s ability to tailor his offense to the strengths of his players has made him an attractive candidate for any team looking for an offensive resurgence. The Bears hope that with his experience and innovative mind, Johnson can unlock the potential of their offense.
Assessing the Situation in Chicago
The Bears have a young quarterback in Caleb Williams, who is undoubtedly the centerpiece of their future. Williams showed flashes of his immense talent in 2024 but struggled at times due to inconsistent offensive line play and a lack of playmaking weapons. Chicago also has a solid foundation of young skill players, but they need better coaching and development to take the next step.
To assess how long it will take Johnson to execute a turnaround in Chicago, it’s essential to look at several factors:
- Quarterback Development
- Caleb Williams is arguably the most important factor in this equation. The Bears’ success hinges on his ability to develop into a franchise quarterback. Williams showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season but also had his share of struggles, particularly with pressure and consistency.
- Ben Johnson’s reputation for developing young quarterbacks is a strong selling point. In Detroit, Johnson worked wonders with Jared Goff, a quarterback who had struggled to find his footing before Johnson’s arrival. If he can replicate that success with Williams, the Bears could see significant improvements in year two.
- However, quarterback development isn’t an overnight process. While Williams will likely show progress in 2025, it’s unrealistic to expect him to fully hit his stride within a single season, especially if there are still weaknesses in the offensive line and receiving corps.
- Offensive Line Improvement
- The Chicago Bears’ offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL in 2024. Williams was sacked 68 times, and the running game struggled as well. Improving this unit will be crucial to any turnaround.
- Johnson’s offensive system is designed to get the ball out quickly, which can mitigate some of the pressure on the quarterback. However, even with quick throws, a poor offensive line will still limit the offense’s overall efficiency.
- The Bears will need to make significant moves to upgrade their offensive line, both through the draft and free agency. If the line improves, Williams will have more time to execute Johnson’s offense, and the entire unit will perform better.
- Playmaker Development
- In addition to improving the offensive line, the Bears need to give Johnson the right tools at the skill positions. The wide receiver corps in Chicago has been underwhelming, and while Darnell Mooney has shown flashes, the team needs more consistent playmakers to help Williams thrive.
- Johnson’s offense thrives when he has multiple weapons at his disposal, and the Bears’ lack of proven, reliable playmakers is one of the biggest obstacles to a quick turnaround.
- If the Bears can add a top-tier wide receiver through the draft or free agency, it will significantly accelerate Johnson’s ability to install his system. However, even with such additions, it will take time to develop chemistry and for players to fully grasp Johnson’s offensive philosophy.
- Team Culture and Coaching Staff
- One of the key elements to any coaching turnaround is the culture that the new staff instills. Johnson will need to work closely with the Bears’ coaching staff to implement his offensive philosophy. Matt Eberflus, the head coach, has a defensive-minded background, which means Johnson will have significant influence on the offensive side of the ball.
- Building a cohesive system that works well with the defense is also crucial. While Johnson’s offensive system may take time to take full effect, the foundation will be laid in the early part of his tenure.
Expected Timeline for Turnaround
Given the current state of the Bears’ roster and the factors at play, here’s an estimate of how long it might take Ben Johnson to execute a meaningful turnaround:
- Year 1 (2025) – Foundation and Progress
- The first year under Johnson will likely focus on installing his system, improving player development, and establishing a foundation for success. This will be a transition year, as Johnson works to implement his offensive philosophy and refine Caleb Williams’ development.
- While we may see flashes of improvement, particularly in terms of playcalling and offensive efficiency, it’s unlikely that the Bears will have an elite offense in 2025. However, Johnson should be able to make the offense more competent and less predictable than it was in 2024.
- Key indicators of success will include Williams’ growth, better offensive line play, and improved situational offense (third downs, red zone efficiency, etc.).
- Year 2 (2026) – Significant Improvement
- By the second year, the Bears should begin to see more significant improvements in Johnson’s offense. Caleb Williams will likely be more comfortable in the system, and with further upgrades to the offensive line and skill positions, the Bears’ offense could be much more dynamic.
- The team should be in playoff contention by the end of the 2026 season, with a much-improved offense and a more balanced team overall.
- The key in year two will be consistency. Johnson’s offense should begin to find its rhythm, with Williams and the other playmakers fully buying into the system.
- Year 3 (2027) – Offensive Contender
- By year three, assuming the Bears have continued to make the right moves in terms of roster building, Ben Johnson could have the offense playing at a high level. If everything falls into place—the offensive line is solid, Williams is playing at an elite level, and the playmakers are in sync—the Bears’ offense could be among the league’s top units.
- This would be the year when the Bears are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, assuming continued development and roster improvements across the board.