How Ben Johnson’s play calling influenced his career as head coach of the Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson’s ascent in the NFL coaching ranks has been characterized by his creative, modern approach to offensive play calling. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, his impact on the team has been profound. His work has helped elevate the Lions’ offense from a traditionally underwhelming unit to one of the most dynamic and efficient in the NFL. Given the Chicago Bears’ long-standing struggles to find a consistent and effective offensive identity, Johnson’s innovative approach could make him a natural candidate for a future head coaching position with the Bears.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Ben Johnson’s journey to the NFL began as a player, but it was his transition into coaching that truly shaped his career. After his playing career was cut short due to injuries, Johnson shifted his focus to coaching, starting as a position coach and working his way up the ranks. His early career was defined by his ability to analyze offenses and recognize the potential for innovation within the NFL’s rapidly evolving game.
Johnson’s first coaching position in the NFL came as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins, where he began to develop a reputation for his understanding of offensive schemes and play calling. He worked with Dolphins’ head coach Adam Gase, who himself was known for his offensive expertise, and Johnson quickly learned how to integrate modern offensive strategies into game plans.
However, it wasn’t until he joined the Detroit Lions as the tight ends coach in 2019 that Johnson’s impact began to truly be felt. His time with the Lions allowed him to refine his skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to build an offense that was both explosive and efficient. His work with the tight ends group proved instrumental in the development of Lions’ star players like T.J. Hockenson, and he eventually became the team’s offensive coordinator in 2021.
Ben Johnson’s Play Calling Philosophy
Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy revolves around a few key principles: adaptability, versatility, and creativity. He believes in tailoring his offensive game plans to suit the strengths of his players rather than adhering to a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. This adaptability allows him to adjust his play calling based on the opponent, the game situation, and the skill set of his roster.
One of the most notable aspects of Johnson’s play calling is his use of motion and pre-snap shifts. He uses these techniques to create mismatches and put stress on defenses. Whether it’s motioning a running back out wide to confuse the defense or using multiple tight end sets to create favorable blocking situations, Johnson has shown a knack for designing plays that put his players in positions to succeed.
Another hallmark of Johnson’s offense is his ability to mix up the passing and running game, ensuring that his team can stay unpredictable. His balanced approach to offense makes it difficult for defenses to key in on one particular aspect of the game. The Detroit Lions’ offense under Johnson became known for its efficiency in both the passing game, with quarterback Jared Goff thriving in a system designed to maximize his strengths, and the running game, with running back Jamaal Williams and others taking advantage of well-designed running lanes.
Johnson’s play calling also emphasizes getting the ball into the hands of playmakers quickly and efficiently. This approach often involves short to intermediate passing concepts that allow his receivers to make plays after the catch. His ability to design quick-hitting passes, as well as deeper shots down the field, has made the Lions’ offense one of the more dangerous in the league.
The Detroit Lions’ Offensive Success Under Johnson
In 2022, Ben Johnson’s offensive schemes led the Lions to an offensive renaissance, as they became one of the most high-scoring teams in the NFL. The team finished in the top 5 in points scored and showcased the kind of explosive playmaking that had been absent from Detroit’s offense for years.
Johnson’s ability to adapt to his players and maximize their potential was key to this success. For example, Jared Goff, who had struggled in previous years, found new life under Johnson’s guidance. Goff flourished in a system that focused on rhythm passing, accuracy, and quick decision-making. His play action-based offense allowed Goff to thrive, as the quarterback benefited from the balanced attack and the ability to exploit open windows created by misdirection.
Moreover, Johnson’s ability to establish a powerful run game allowed the Lions to control the clock and set up play-action opportunities. Running backs like Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift excelled in the system, taking advantage of Johnson’s creative running schemes and the offensive line’s strong blocking.
But perhaps the biggest testament to Johnson’s growth as a play caller was his ability to make the Lions’ offense difficult to predict. He used a variety of formations and personnel groupings to keep defenses on their toes. This unpredictability helped Detroit generate big plays and create favorable matchups for their playmakers, such as wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
The Chicago Bears and the Need for an Offensive Overhaul
The Chicago Bears have long been known for their defensive prowess but have struggled to establish a consistent and effective offensive identity. While the team has seen flashes of offensive potential, it has never truly found a rhythm. Over the years, the Bears have cycled through multiple offensive coordinators and head coaches in an attempt to turn their offense around, but the results have largely been underwhelming.
In recent years, the Bears’ offense has been centered around young quarterback Justin Fields, a player with significant athletic ability but in need of a system that maximizes his potential as both a passer and a runner. Fields’ development is a key focus for the Bears moving forward, and the team must build an offense that can play to his strengths while also being versatile enough to adapt to the league’s evolving trends.
Ben Johnson’s coaching philosophy could be the perfect fit for this challenge. His ability to design a dynamic and multifaceted offense that plays to his players’ strengths would allow him to maximize Fields’ potential. Johnson’s use of motion and pre-snap shifts could help the Bears create confusion for opposing defenses, especially considering Fields’ dual-threat capabilities. Additionally, his emphasis on a balanced offensive attack would allow the Bears to establish a strong running game, which could help take the pressure off Fields as a passer.
Johnson’s reputation as a creative and adaptable offensive mind could also resonate with Bears ownership, who have been looking for a fresh approach to their offensive woes. After years of struggling to find a suitable offensive identity, the Bears could look to Johnson’s success with the Lions as evidence that he has the tools to bring their offense into the modern era.
While Ben Johnson has not yet become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, his rise to prominence as an offensive coordinator has made him a name to watch in NFL coaching circles. His innovative play calling, adaptability, and ability to design an offense that plays to the strengths of his players have helped him earn recognition as one of the most promising young coaches in the league.
Should the Bears decide to move in a new direction with their head coaching position in the future, Ben Johnson’s success in Detroit could make him an attractive candidate. His ability to develop quarterbacks, build balanced offensive systems, and create explosive plays would be a welcome addition to the Bears, especially as they work to develop Justin Fields into the franchise quarterback they hope he can become.
In the ever-evolving NFL, teams like the Chicago Bears are constantly looking for new approaches to success. Ben Johnson’s play calling and offensive philosophy have shown that he has the tools to be an impactful head coach, and his innovative strategies could help shape the Bears’ future for years to come.