CHICAGO (WNCN) – A longtime NFL assistant coach with connections to the state of North Carolina is set to be the new leader of the Chicago Bears.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson agreed to become the next Bears’ head coach, the Associated Press reported Monday. The franchise officially announced Johnson’s hiring on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson said in a released statement. “I am thankful to [chairman George McCaskey], [president Kevin Warren] and [general manager Ryan Poles] and the entire organization for presenting me and my family with this tremendous opportunity. Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their head coach.”
“My family and I are incredibly blessed and fortunate to take this next step in our journey, and I cannot wait to lead our players, our support staff and organization, while doing so at the service of Bears fans,” he added. “We are looking forward to fully ingraining ourselves in the great city of Chicago, as we work to create an impact in this special community. I am excited to partner with Ryan and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program. We are ready to get to work.”
Johnson, who spearheaded the Lions’ high-powered offensive attack for the past three seasons, has been a popular candidate across the coaching carousel, attracting interest from multiple NFL teams. Along with the Bears, Johnson reportedly interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots this offseason alone.
The 38-year-old coach is a former walk-on for the University of North Carolina football team, suiting up for the Tar Heels from 2004-2007. Despite never seeing action on the field, Johnson’s bio on the UNC athletics website listed him as the third-string quarterback during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
He’s also a native to North Carolina, playing his early years at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, where he led the Rockets to a 4A state championship while earning all-conference honors in his junior season. Johnson was later named the conference player of the year as a senior.
Johnson graduated from UNC with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 2008. He even briefly worked as a software developer in Durham for one year before pursuing a career in coaching.
Since accepting the Lions’ offensive coordinator job in 2002, Johnson anchored one of the most exciting and creative play-calling styles in the NFL, averaging a league-best 29 points per game. Detroit compiled 409.5 yards per game in the 2024 regular season, which ranks second only behind the Baltimore Ravens.
The Lions secured the top seed in the NFC after finishing 15-2, but were eliminated in the divisional playoff round on Saturday following a stunning 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders.
He now takes on the task of mentoring, developing and elevating Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who went through some growing pains during his rookie campaign. The former No. 1 overall draft pick threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions, but was sacked a franchise-record and league-leading 68 times.
Johnson already has a fan in Williams.
“I think it’s been really cool to watch,” Williams said two weeks ago, when the Bears cleaned out their lockers. “During our game, I would sit back and watch and try and learn something. It was fascinating to watch. He had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game.”
Johnson showed high praise for Williams prior to when Chicago squared off against the Lions in Week 16.
“There’s no question that this guy is talented. I remember standing on the sideline last game and you can hear the ball whistle by you,” Johnson said.
“He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well. Like I said, I haven’t really dove in and can tell you much more beyond that, but he’s been impressive from afar.”
The Bears only have three playoff appearances since the 2006 team that won the NFC championship. Chicago’s lone Super Bowl title came in the 1985 season.
Johnson will be the 19th head coach in Bears franchise history, which spans back as far as 105 years.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report