Nobody ever could’ve imagined the Chicago Bears would be in this spot after less than two seasons. Yet that is the way things are unfolding. Matt Eberflus has completely lost control of the team. They’ve lost 13 games in a row dating back to last October. His defense is still a disaster. Justin Fields has regressed at quarterback. There is nothing good for the man to hang his hat on. Most experts agree a couple more losses in the coming weeks will seal his fat as head coach. Then, the search begins for a replacement. Enter Ben Johnson.
The talk about him has picked up considerably after the Detroit Lions throttled the Green Bay Packers 34-20 on Thursday Night Football. Many see the offensive coordinator as a lock to become a head coach in 2024. Should the Bears be interested? Let’s take a look at what they could be getting.
Ben Johnson background:
You’re probably a smart guy when you graduate from North Carolina in mathematics and computer science. That is the general consensus from people who speak of Johnson. He played quarterback in college before getting his first opportunity as a coach at Boston College. After only three seasons, he got called up to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2012. He would stay there through 2018 despite a coaching staff change, working at multiple offensive positions like tight ends and wide receivers. Johnson joined the Detroit Lions in 2019 and became their tight ends coach the following year. T.J. Hockenson made his first Pro Bowl with his help. Once new head coach Dan Campbell took over, his ascent accelerated until he was offensive coordinator by 2022.
Good points:
Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best young play callers in the NFL. He has revived the career of quarterback Jared Goff. In 21 games together, he’s thrown for 5,467 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Lions offense finished 5th in scoring and 4th in total yards last season. They are 8th and 6th, respectively, so far in 2023. If the Bears want somebody who clearly understands how to help the quarterback excel, he is that guy. The fact he has coached almost every position group on the offensive side of the ball also enhances his profile, showcasing he can adapt.
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Concerns:
Ben Johnson is only 37 years old. Now, that could be considered a benefit. Young head coaches can last a long time. Look at Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. However, it could also be a double-edged sword. Johnson has only been a coordinator for 21 games—less than two seasons. There are so many cases of promising young assistants jumping to the head coaching chair too early after instant coordinating success. See Matt Nagy. He had one season as offensive coordinator in Kansas City before coming to Chicago. A team hiring him must do everything in their power to make sure he has the charisma and communication skills necessary to hold the attention of a locker room.
