Ben Johnson To Coach Chicago Bears?

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Post on Jan 25, 2025

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Ben Johnson to Coach Chicago Bears? A Deep Dive into the Possibilities

The Chicago Bears' head coaching search is one of the most captivating storylines in the NFL offseason. With a young, promising quarterback in Justin Fields and a wealth of draft capital, the Bears represent a potentially enticing destination for top coaching candidates. Among the names swirling in the rumor mill is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. But is he the right fit for the Windy City? Let's delve into the possibilities and analyze the pros and cons of a potential Ben Johnson-Chicago Bears marriage.

Ben Johnson: A Rising Star in the Coaching World

Ben Johnson's meteoric rise in the coaching ranks is undeniable. After a stint as a tight ends coach, he took over the Lions' offensive coordinator role in 2022, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. He orchestrated a significant offensive turnaround for Detroit, transforming them from a struggling unit into one of the league's most dynamic attacks. This dramatic improvement wasn't just about raw numbers; it was about a clear philosophical shift towards a modern, explosive offensive scheme.

Johnson's Offensive Philosophy: A Perfect Fit for Justin Fields?

Johnson's offensive philosophy centers around utilizing a diverse array of passing concepts and play-action designs to maximize the strengths of his quarterback. This approach seems tailor-made for Justin Fields, a supremely talented dual-threat quarterback with exceptional athleticism and a powerful arm. Fields' rushing ability is a significant weapon, and Johnson's scheme is likely to incorporate designed quarterback runs and read-option plays to keep defenses honest.

Key elements of Johnson's offensive system that could benefit Fields:

• Play-action passing: The Lions consistently used play-action to create explosive passing plays, leveraging Fields' running threat.
• RPOs (Run-Pass Options): RPOs are a staple of Johnson's offense, allowing the quarterback to quickly make decisions based on the defense's reaction, maximizing efficiency and explosiveness.
• Pre-snap motion: Johnson utilizes motion extensively to create confusion for the defense and open up passing lanes. This complexity suits Fields' intelligence and processing speed.
• Emphasis on vertical passing: While incorporating short and intermediate routes, Johnson's schemes frequently involve deep throws to stretch the field and open up underneath areas.

This aligns perfectly with Fields' skill set and maximizes his strengths while potentially mitigating his weaknesses. It's a system that allows for improvisation and showcases Fields' ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket.

The Case for Ben Johnson in Chicago

The potential benefits of hiring Ben Johnson as the Bears' head coach are substantial:

• Offensive innovation: Johnson brings a fresh, modern offensive approach that could revitalize the Bears' attack. His success in Detroit speaks for itself.
• Player development: Johnson's ability to develop young players, especially quarterbacks, would be invaluable in maximizing Fields' potential.
• Scheme fit for Fields: As highlighted above, Johnson's offensive system appears to be a near-perfect fit for Fields' skill set.
• Attracting free agents: A young, innovative coach with a proven track record can attract top-tier free agents, further bolstering the team's talent.
• Building a winning culture: Johnson's experience in turning around a struggling offense demonstrates his capacity to build a winning culture within a team.

The Case Against Ben Johnson in Chicago

While the pros are compelling, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks:

• Limited head coaching experience: Johnson lacks head coaching experience at the NFL level. This inexperience could be a concern for some, although his success as an offensive coordinator suggests a strong potential for adaptation.
• Defensive considerations: While offense is undeniably crucial, a successful head coach needs to oversee all aspects of the game. Johnson's primary focus has been on offense, so his defensive acumen needs closer scrutiny.
• Building a coaching staff: Assembling a competent and cohesive coaching staff is vital. Johnson's ability to recruit and work effectively with other coaches will be tested.
• The pressure cooker of Chicago: Chicago is a demanding market with high expectations. Johnson will need to handle the intense media scrutiny and fan pressure that comes with coaching a high-profile team.

The Verdict: A Risky Yet Rewarding Gamble?

Hiring Ben Johnson would be a risk for the Chicago Bears, but one with potentially immense rewards. His offensive prowess and apparent suitability for Justin Fields make him a very attractive candidate. However, his lack of head coaching experience and the need to prove himself in other areas, such as defense and staff management, should be carefully considered. The Bears must conduct a thorough evaluation of his capabilities beyond his offensive brilliance.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on the Bears' willingness to take a chance on a highly promising young coach. If they believe in his potential to evolve into a well-rounded head coach, the payoff could be enormous, potentially catapulting the Bears into contention for years to come. The Bears' front office needs to weigh the risks and rewards carefully before making a decision that could define the future of the franchise. The potential of a flourishing Justin Fields under Ben Johnson's tutelage is certainly a tempting proposition. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this exciting possibility becomes reality. The league watches with bated breath.