Bears Hire Ben Johnson as Head Coach After Lions’ Playoff Exit

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears named Ben Johnson as their new head coach on Tuesday, filling the vacancy left by Matt Eberflus, who was fired on Nov. 29. Johnson, 38, previously served as the Detroit Lions‘ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons and becomes the 19th head coach in the Bears’ 105-year history.

“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership, and ability to connect,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “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.”

Johnson, who was available after the Lions’ playoff loss on Saturday, expressed his excitement about joining the Bears. “The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson said. “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.”

According to sources, Johnson is already assembling his coaching staff, with former Saints coach Dennis Allen as the leading candidate for defensive coordinator. The Bears are also pursuing Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi for special teams coordinator.

The Bears conducted a virtual interview with Johnson on Jan. 11 during the Lions’ first-round playoff bye. Johnson also interviewed with other teams, including the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers. Chicago interviewed 17 candidates for the position, including former NFL coaches Ron Rivera and Mike McCarthy.

Johnson inherits a Bears team that finished 5-12 this season, last in the NFC North. He will be tasked with developing quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who expressed admiration for Johnson’s offensive schemes. “I think during our game, I would sit back and watch and try to learn something while I watch,” Williams said earlier this month. “It was fascinating to watch because he always had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game.”

Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense ranked among the NFL’s best, finishing second in total offense and first in points scored in 2024. Detroit averaged 28.2 points per game during Johnson’s tenure as offensive coordinator, the highest in the league over that span. The Bears, by contrast, have struggled offensively, ranking 30th in play-action usage last season.

Johnson’s arrival in Chicago marks a new chapter for the Bears, who hold the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and have significant salary cap space to rebuild their roster. “This is exactly where we wanted to be,” Johnson said during his introductory press conference. “We’re going to go after this thing, and it’s going to take all of us in this room.”