Schefter: Chicago Bears hire Ben Johnson as next head coach (1:12)
Adam Schefter details how Ben Johnson and the Bears reached a deal to make the Lions offensive coordinator their next head coach. (1:12)
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ESPN
Jan 20, 2025, 03:43 PM ET
The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
Johnson, who has been the Lions’ offensive coordinator the past three seasons, —will fill the job vacated when Matt Eberflus was fired during the season.
Johnson, 38, was available to be hired after the Lions, who were the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs, were stunned Saturday night by the Washington Commanders.
He has rebuffed interest from teams over the past few years but now will take over in Chicago to coach quarterback Caleb Williams, who said earlier this month that he was intrigued by Johnson’s offense with the Lions.
Ahead of the Bears’ 34-17 loss to Detroit in December, Johnson offered similar praise over what he’d seen from Williams. In two games against the Lions, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft threw for 681 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.
Johnson, known for his innovative playcalling, has coached the Lions to top-10 offenses the past two seasons, including second overall in 2024, when they were No. 1 in points scored and finished 15-2.
The Bears were 5-12 this season, last in the NFC North standings.
