The Chicago Bears have officially hired Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator from the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach. This decision comes after much speculation about him being their top choice.
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions boasted an impressive offense that averaged 29 points per game since he took on the role in 2022, the highest in the NFL. In 2024, the Lions scored an eye-popping 33.2 points per game, which set a new franchise record. With quarterback Jared Goff at the helm, Johnson’s play-calling led to remarkable offensive statistics.
Some of Johnson’s standout players in Detroit included running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Gibbs led the league with 20 scrimmage touchdowns in 2024, while St. Brown became the first player in Lions history to record over 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, earning All-Pro honors twice.
Now, at 38, Johnson faces a new challenge in Chicago. He will work to develop Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. Alongside talent like D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift, Johnson has the pieces to revive the Bears’ struggling offense, which only averaged 18.2 points per game last year.
During his time in Chicago, Williams threw for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns and just six interceptions. However, he was sacked a staggering 68 times — the most in the league. Protecting him will be a top priority for Johnson. The Bears also allowed a quarterback pressure rate of 35.4%, placing them around the middle of the pack in the NFL. Despite Williams’ struggles, he was the first Bears quarterback to start every game in a season since Jay Cutler in 2009, breaking a long-standing record.
Johnson inherits a team with a decent defense, ranked 13th overall in scoring. Key players like edge rusher Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson are expected to anchor that unit. If Johnson can replicate the success he had in Detroit, he has a chance to turn the Bears around and help them achieve their first 4,000-yard passing season in franchise history — which has never happened in over a century.
With significant talent in both the offense and defense, it’s an exciting time for Bears fans as they look forward to the upcoming seasons under Johnson’s leadership.
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