Ben Johnson, the highly sought-after offensive coordinator, has finally made the leap to a head coaching role. After two years of turning down opportunities, he has accepted the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job.
This move not only changes the landscape of the NFC North but also leaves the Detroit Lions searching for a new offensive leader. With the Bears securing one of the top offensive minds in the league, the question remains—who truly benefits from this move, and who suffers the most?
Let’s take a look at the winners and losers of Johnson’s relocation to Chicago.
Winner: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have struggled with their coaching hires in recent years, especially with their previous choices of Matt Nagy and Matt Eberflus. This time, they’ve made a bold move by bringing in Ben Johnson, one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the league.
Why This Is a Win for the Bears
- Top Offensive Mind: Johnson has been one of the hottest coaching candidates for the past two cycles. His ability to craft creative and effective offensive schemes makes him a valuable asset.
- Strong Roster & Draft Picks: Chicago has a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams, a talented wide receiver in DJ Moore, and the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. These pieces give Johnson plenty to work with.
- Financial Flexibility: With over $66.63 million in cap space, the Bears can make key signings to support their new coach.
- Weakening a Rival: By hiring Johnson, the Bears also deal a blow to the Lions, who must now rebuild their offensive strategy.
That said, hiring Johnson isn’t without risks. While he has been a brilliant coordinator, transitioning to a head coach role is a different challenge altogether.
Winner: Ben Johnson
After turning down head coaching opportunities in the past, Johnson finally lands his dream job in Chicago. He now gets to prove himself at the next level while leading a young and talented team.
Why Johnson Benefits from This Move
- Head Coach Opportunity: There are only 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL, and he has earned his shot.
- Caleb Williams’ Potential: Coaching a young, mobile quarterback allows Johnson to build an offense tailored to modern NFL trends.
- Better Fit Than Other Options: Unlike the Las Vegas Raiders, who lack a solid quarterback situation, the Bears offer a more stable foundation.
- Minimal Relocation: Johnson doesn’t have to move far, staying within the NFC North.
However, this job comes with high expectations. Chicago fans have been waiting for a turnaround, and Johnson won’t have a long leash to produce results. If things go south quickly, the pressure will mount.
Winner: Caleb Williams
After a tough rookie season filled with instability, Williams now gets a fresh start under a coach known for his offensive creativity.
Why This Helps Williams
- Better Coaching Stability: The Bears fired both their offensive coordinator and head coach last season, creating a chaotic environment for Williams. Now, he has a fresh system built for him.
- Offensive-Minded Head Coach: Unlike defensive-minded Matt Eberflus, Johnson specializes in crafting high-powered offenses.
- More Talent Around Him: With DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and plenty of draft capital, Williams has the tools to succeed.
A strong sophomore season under Johnson could cement Williams as the franchise quarterback the Bears have been searching for.
Loser: Detroit Lions
The Lions’ season ended in heartbreak, and now they lose one of their most important coaches to a division rival.
Why This Hurts the Lions
- Losing a Key Coach: Johnson played a huge role in developing Detroit’s high-powered offense. Now, they must find a replacement who can maintain that level of success.
- Strengthening a Rival: The Bears, who were already improving, just got better. This makes Detroit’s path to an NFC North title more challenging.
- Championship Window at Risk: Detroit was a Super Bowl favorite this season. Losing a top offensive mind at this crucial stage could hurt their chances of staying competitive.
Now, head coach Dan Campbell must find a third offensive coordinator in his tenure. If he makes the wrong choice, Detroit’s championship hopes could fade quickly.
Loser: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders were reportedly interested in Johnson, but he never seemed too eager to take the job.
Why This Is a Setback for the Raiders
- Quarterback Uncertainty: Unlike Chicago, Las Vegas doesn’t have a franchise quarterback in place. This makes it a less attractive coaching destination.
- Rebuilding Phase: The Raiders need a long-term vision, but they are stuck in limbo without a clear direction.
- Another Coaching Search: With Johnson off the board, they’ll need to look elsewhere for their next head coach.
For the Raiders, missing out on Johnson means their search continues, and they still have plenty of unanswered questions about their future.
Loser: Ben Johnson (In Some Ways)
While Johnson is a clear winner for landing a head coaching role, there are also challenges ahead.
Why This Move Could Backfire
- Leaving a Loaded Lions Offense: Detroit had one of the best offensive rosters in the league, with an elite offensive line and top-tier running backs. Johnson won’t have the same luxury in Chicago.
- High Expectations: As one of the most hyped coaching hires, he won’t get much patience from Bears fans.
- Adjustment to Head Coaching: Not all great coordinators become great head coaches. Johnson now has to manage an entire team, not just an offense.
While the move has plenty of upside, it’s not a guaranteed success. If things don’t go as planned, Johnson’s reputation could take a hit.
Ben Johnson’s move to the Chicago Bears is a major shift in the NFC North. The Bears gain a brilliant offensive mind, Caleb Williams gets a better system, and Johnson earns his long-awaited shot as a head coach. However, the Lions now face a major challenge in replacing him, and the Raiders must continue their coaching search.
This hiring could either turn the Bears into a contender or prove that great coordinators don’t always make great head coaches. Only time will tell whether Johnson thrives in Chicago or if Detroit ultimately finds a better replacement.
