Ben Johnson is the hottest coaching candidate of the upcoming 2025 cycle. Nobody would dispute it at this point. While plenty of qualified names exist, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is putting together his third straight season of outstanding work. His team is 12-1, zeroing in on the first seed in the playoffs, and it is primarily because of their prolific offense. Johnson certainly fits the profile in an era where every team hopes to land that next hot young offensive genius. It was somewhat of a surprise that he didn't get a job somewhere last season.
That might be because he's been waiting for a specific job to open. Albert Breer of the MMQB revealed that Johnson had hoped for a shot at the Chicago Bears this past off-season. Unfortunately, Matt Eberflus was retained. Rather than go elsewhere, Johnson chose to stay in Detroit. Eberflus is now gone. Sports Illustrated insider Matt Verderame has heard from circles around the NFL that Johnson has only one spot in mind.
Why is Ben Johnson so focused on the Bears?
Well, it's not entirely certain he is Chicago-or-bust, first of all. Still, they seem like the only team he's been connected to for weeks. There are a few potential explanations for this. He may desire the opportunity to work with Caleb Williams, one of the most talented quarterbacks to come out of college in years. It isn't a tough sell. However, it could go deeper than that. Johnson's first coaching gig came at Boston College in 2009. Remember who happens to be an alum there? Yep, GM Ryan Poles. Maybe it's possible the two became acquainted during that time.
Lastly, Ben Johnson was nudged into coaching during his final year at North Carolina by his offensive coordinator, John Shoop. Bears fans will remember him as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator of the team from 1999 through 2003. He ran the offense during Chicago's incredible season in 2001. Maybe Shoop relayed fond memories of his time with the organization, and Johnson always kept that in the back of his mind. Whatever the case, it's evident the young coach's interest in the Bears is real.
