Bears hire former Lions OC Ben Johnson as head coach
After going through a thorough head coach search, the Chicago Bears have hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership andability to connect. A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement via ESPN.
The Bears held a virtual interview with Johnson on Jan. 11 during the Lions’ first-round bye. He was among the 17 candidates the organization spoke to about the vacancy that included former Carolina Panthers/Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
Johnson had also spoken to the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots regarding their head coach openings. Over the last couple of seasons, he has become a hot commodity on the head coach carousel due to the high level of offensive success the Lions have had with him as the playcaller.
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Detroit has ranked in the top 10 in offensive production in each of the last two seasons while the team averaged 28.2 points per game over his three-year stint as the offensive coordinator.
Johnson will be tasked with guiding the franchise forward through his connection with quarterback Caleb Williams as the foundation of their success.
