When it comes to the NFL, every offseason brings a fresh batch of storylines, rumors, and surprising connections between teams, players, and coaches. For Detroit Lions fans, the 2025 NFL offseason has been no different, with one major shocker that has left the Motor City buzzing. Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, recently received an unexpected message regarding the Chicago Bears’ new rookie — and the identity of the person behind it has sent waves of surprise through the Lions’ fanbase.
At the heart of the story lies a player that was recently drafted by the Bears, a rookie who has already been generating a significant amount of buzz within the NFL community. But it’s not just his play on the field or his potential impact on Chicago’s offense that has Lions fans talking. Instead, it’s the person who decided to reach out to Ben Johnson to talk about the young prospect that has caught everyone’s attention.
The Unexpected Messenger
The surprise came when Ben Johnson, a coach whose reputation has been steadily rising in the NFL, opened his phone to find a message from none other than Matt Nagy, the former head coach of the Chicago Bears. Now, to understand the significance of this message, we need to first consider the history between these two men. Johnson, who took over as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2023, has rapidly gained a reputation for his creative and explosive offensive schemes. His work with Jared Goff has been nothing short of impressive, making the Lions one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Nagy, who served as the Bears’ head coach from 2018 to 2021, was often at the center of heated debates about the team’s struggles on offense. His time in Chicago was marred by inconsistent playcalling and an inability to develop a quarterback, despite some solid individual talents on the roster. After being let go by the Bears, Nagy took a step back from head coaching but continued to stay active in the NFL community, often offering advice or mentorship to fellow coaches.
So, when Matt Nagy, a coach whose time in Chicago was defined by ups and downs, reached out to Johnson about the Bears’ new rookie, it raised eyebrows. What was the purpose of this message, and what did it reveal about the state of the Bears’ franchise and their new quarterback?
The Rookie in Question
Before diving into the implications of the message, it’s essential to first understand who the rookie is that sparked the conversation between Nagy and Johnson. The Bears, coming off a tumultuous 2024 season, were determined to find their future quarterback in the draft. With their eyes set on a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback, they selected Jaden Mitchell from a prestigious college program. Mitchell, a standout at a major college football powerhouse, had showcased a unique blend of arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
Standing at 6’4” and possessing a cannon of an arm, Mitchell’s ability to extend plays with his legs has drawn comparisons to some of the most electrifying quarterbacks in recent NFL history. His athleticism allows him to escape pressure and make plays on the run, and his strong, accurate deep ball has intrigued scouts across the league. Chicago, looking to overhaul its offensive philosophy, hoped that Mitchell would become the centerpiece of its future.
Though Mitchell’s draft stock had fluctuated during the pre-draft process, his talent was undeniable. The Bears’ front office was confident that he would be able to unlock the offense in a way that they had been unable to do with previous quarterbacks.
The Surprise Connection: Nagy’s Message to Ben Johnson
What caught everyone off guard was the content of Nagy’s message to Johnson. According to sources close to the situation, Nagy reached out to Johnson not with advice or an offer of help, but with a detailed breakdown of Mitchell’s skills and a candid discussion about his potential fit in Chicago’s system. Nagy, who had coached Mitchell in a private workout before the draft, took a personal interest in the young quarterback’s development.
While the message itself was primarily focused on Mitchell’s potential, it was clear that Nagy’s underlying tone suggested he saw Johnson as a coach who might be able to unlock Mitchell’s full potential. Nagy expressed admiration for Johnson’s work with Goff and noted how similar Mitchell’s skillset was to Goff’s in terms of throwing mechanics and decision-making under pressure. He also mentioned that he felt Johnson had the type of offensive philosophy that could bring out the best in Mitchell, particularly with regard to the quarterback’s ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-tempo offense.
The implications of this message are twofold. First, it demonstrates that Nagy, despite his rocky tenure in Chicago, still sees himself as a part of the Bears’ future — albeit in an unofficial capacity. His outreach to Johnson suggests that he’s committed to helping Mitchell succeed, even if that means bypassing the official coaching staff in Chicago. Second, it shows that Nagy might be tacitly acknowledging the potential gap in coaching talent between himself and Johnson, signaling a certain level of respect for the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Lions Fans React: The Shock and Intrigue
For Lions fans, the news that Ben Johnson was in direct contact with Matt Nagy about a key Bears rookie raised more than a few eyebrows. On one hand, there’s a sense of intrigue about what this means for the future of the Bears’ offense, particularly with regard to Mitchell’s development. But on the other hand, there’s also a sense of frustration. After all, Johnson’s innovative offense has been a major reason why the Lions have been trending upward in recent seasons, and it’s clear that his reputation is now spreading across the league.
The fact that Nagy, who had struggled as the Bears’ head coach, now sees Johnson as a potential mentor for Mitchell underscores just how highly the Lions’ offensive coordinator is regarded. The timing of the message also seemed to be a reminder that, while the Bears might be making strides with their new quarterback, the Lions are also in a good position to compete in the NFC North.
Lions fans, who have been long accustomed to watching their team get overlooked in favor of more prominent franchises, may have a new sense of validation knowing that Ben Johnson’s coaching acumen is getting national recognition. His ability to develop quarterbacks and create dynamic offenses has placed him on the radar of coaches across the league, and it seems that his influence may extend even into rival teams’ preparations.
Ben Johnson’s Response: A Professional But Cautious Approach
As for Ben Johnson, sources say that his response to Nagy’s message was professional, yet cautious. While he appreciated Nagy’s insight and took note of his observations, Johnson made it clear that his primary focus remained on his own team and the upcoming season with the Lions. It’s not uncommon for coaches to exchange notes or discuss the strengths of opposing players, but Johnson was determined not to get distracted by the Bears’ rookie quarterback drama.
That said, Johnson did express appreciation for Nagy’s acknowledgment of his work and the shared understanding that Mitchell’s development would be key for the Bears’ success in the years to come. Johnson reportedly even mentioned that he was excited to see how the rookie would fare against the Lions’ defense in the upcoming season.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for the NFC North?
The conversation between Matt Nagy and Ben Johnson about Jaden Mitchell is more than just a casual chat between coaches. It symbolizes the increasing level of competition in the NFC North and the evolving dynamics between the Lions and the Bears. With both teams focused on developing young quarterbacks and building around offensive talent, the stakes are higher than ever.
For the Lions, this story serves as a reminder of their growing influence in the NFL and their ability to develop talent. For the Bears, it’s a reminder of how much work still lies ahead in terms of cultivating a franchise quarterback. With the Lions and Bears facing off in key divisional games in the years to come, the rivalry between these two teams is poised to reach new heights, with Ben Johnson and Jaden Mitchell potentially playing central roles in determining the NFC North’s future.