As the Chicago Bears navigate the complexities of the 2025 NFL season, new head coach Ben Johnson is believed to be targeting a former player to bring onto the team. This move is part of his broader strategy to turn the Bears into an NFC North powerhouse. Johnson’s transition from offensive coordinator to head coach has been met with a mix of anticipation and skepticism, and any decisions he makes in this early stage of his tenure will be heavily scrutinized. Among his potential targets is a former player—one who could help strengthen the Bears’ roster and elevate their offensive output.
While Johnson is known for his work as the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, his ability to evaluate and integrate talent will now be under a much larger microscope. In his new role, he will need to balance many factors, including team needs, cap space, and player development. The decision to target a former player—particularly one he has worked with in the past—can be seen as a calculated move to infuse his new team with a familiar face who understands his system, which could help jump-start the offense and create a stronger overall unit. The specific player in question is still a matter of some speculation, but the general idea of bringing back a former player is a well-established strategy that many coaches use when taking over a new team.
The Potential Benefits of Targeting a Former Player
There is a unique dynamic that comes with bringing in a player who has previously been coached by Ben Johnson. Familiarity with Johnson’s offensive system would be an immediate benefit, especially for a Bears team that has struggled to find consistency on offense in recent seasons. The ability to quickly assimilate a player into the scheme, without the need for long-term development, can be a critical advantage in a competitive league.
- Immediate Impact: A player who already understands Johnson’s offensive philosophy could immediately contribute, helping to fill gaps in the Bears’ current roster. This is crucial for a team like the Bears, which has struggled to establish a potent offense. With Justin Fields at quarterback, the Bears need skilled playmakers around him to help unlock his potential. Adding a player familiar with Johnson’s approach could give the team a leg up, especially early in the season as they seek to build momentum.
- Chemistry and Trust: Johnson is likely looking for a player with whom he has built trust over the years. Trust between a coach and his players is one of the cornerstones of a successful team. By bringing in a former player who knows his style, Johnson can quickly foster a sense of camaraderie and accountability on the field. This can be particularly important in an era when team dynamics and off-the-field relationships are just as crucial as what happens on game day.
- Leadership in the Locker Room: Veteran players who have experience with a specific coach often provide leadership that can be invaluable in the locker room. For Johnson, who is stepping into the head coaching role for the first time, bringing in a player who understands his expectations and communication style could help establish a positive locker room culture. This leadership can ripple through the team and help set the tone for the season.
- No Need for Extensive Learning Curve: One of the biggest challenges for new players in a system is adjusting to the playbook, getting used to the coach’s approach, and integrating with the team’s culture. A player who has been coached by Johnson in the past already has a head start in this regard. While a new player may take time to adjust, someone with experience under Johnson’s tutelage would need less time to become an effective member of the team.
The Specifics: Who Could Johnson Be Targeting?
Although the specific player Johnson is targeting has not been confirmed, there are several plausible candidates based on his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. One potential option could be Tim Patrick, a wide receiver who previously played for the Lions. Patrick, known for his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability, could provide the Bears with a reliable target in the passing game. With the Bears’ offense in need of playmakers, Patrick would immediately be a valuable addition to the team, helping to complement Fields’ unique skill set.
Alternatively, another option could be Jared Goff, Johnson’s former quarterback in Detroit. While it may seem unlikely for the Bears to pursue Goff, given they have Fields under contract, bringing in a player like Goff could be part of a strategy to further solidify the Bears’ quarterback room. Having a solid backup who knows Johnson’s system could give the Bears insurance if Fields struggles or gets injured during the season.
While these names are speculative, it’s clear that Johnson would want to target players who not only excel at their positions but also have an intimate understanding of his offensive philosophy. The Bears need offensive weapons who can stretch the field, create mismatches, and help their young quarterback reach his potential. By targeting former players, Johnson can avoid the growing pains associated with integrating players into a new system while also building a foundation of trust and accountability.
Assessing the Impact on the Bears’ Offense
One of the most pressing concerns for the Bears heading into 2025 is their offensive efficiency. Despite having one of the most talented young quarterbacks in Justin Fields, the Bears’ offense has struggled in recent years to score consistently and generate big plays. Fields’ dual-threat ability gives the team a distinct advantage, but he has yet to receive enough support from his offensive line and wide receiving corps.
Johnson’s focus on targeting a former player could significantly impact the Bears’ offense by improving the overall execution of their game plan. A player familiar with Johnson’s system could help elevate the performance of the entire unit, providing Fields with a reliable option in the passing game. This could result in more balanced play-calling, a more potent downfield passing attack, and increased red-zone efficiency.
Given the urgency surrounding the Bears’ need to improve their offense, Johnson’s ability to implement his system effectively will be critical. Bringing in a familiar player who understands his approach could fast-track the development of the offense and allow Johnson to focus on other areas, such as game management and defensive coordination.
Managing the Transition to Head Coach
The hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach of the Chicago Bears represents a pivotal moment for the franchise. After years of inconsistency, the Bears are hoping Johnson can be the leader who turns their fortunes around. His success as the offensive coordinator in Detroit has given him a strong reputation, but transitioning from a coordinator to the head coach role involves a host of new responsibilities.
One of the biggest challenges Johnson faces is balancing his offensive duties with his new role as the head of the entire organization. As a head coach, Johnson will be responsible for much more than just the offense. He will have to oversee both the defensive and special teams units while managing the overall direction of the team. This can be a significant shift from his previous role, where his focus was solely on orchestrating the offense.
By targeting a former player, Johnson is likely looking to ease some of the burdens of this transition. A former player who understands his approach can help Johnson implement his offensive philosophy with less resistance. It also allows Johnson to quickly address immediate needs on the team without the additional challenge of acclimating new players to his system.
The ability to delegate responsibility effectively will be crucial to Johnson’s success. By leaning on players who are familiar with his coaching style, he can focus on creating a cohesive team culture while ensuring that the offensive side of the ball runs smoothly. This strategy of targeting familiar players is one that has worked for many successful head coaches, and it may prove to be a wise decision for Johnson as he begins his tenure with the Bears.
Managing Expectations in Chicago
Despite the excitement surrounding Ben Johnson’s hiring, there are still questions about how quickly he can turn the Bears into a competitive force in the NFC. The team has struggled in recent years, and Johnson’s arrival brings with it high expectations from the fanbase. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Johnson’s offense can revitalize the Bears and unlock the full potential of Justin Fields.
However, the Bears’ challenges go beyond just offensive play-calling. The team’s defense has also been inconsistent, and the offensive line still needs to improve in terms of both pass protection and run blocking. Johnson’s first task will be to get the most out of his current roster while also addressing these issues in the draft and free agency.
Given these complexities, Johnson’s decision to target a former player is a smart move to help ensure that his system is implemented effectively. It may not be a silver bullet for the Bears’ broader challenges, but it could provide the team with a crucial edge as they work to get back on track.