Ben Johnson didn’t take long to make up his mind this time.
The Lions offensive coordinator is taking the Bears’ head coaching job, according to multiple reports.
Johnson, 38, is en route to Chicago to finalize the deal with details of the impending contract unclear.
Johnson spent the last two weeks flirting with the possibility of becoming the Raiders’ coach but ultimately chose the team with a potential franchise quarterback in place with Caleb Williams.
Ben Johnson will be the next coach of the Bears. Getty Images
Johnson had been a hot name in coaching circles the past two seasons, but passed on head-coaching opportunities — including with the Commanders last season.
Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an up-and-down rookie season as the team went 5-12.
“Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy so I can build with him and be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years, and so I can also learn and grow and things like that from him and what he’s seen and what he’s gone through with other QBs or been around,” Williams said last week on the St. Brown podcast.
The Bears fired Matt Eberflus in late November after several close and frustrating losses, including to Johnson’s Lions on Thanksgiving.
Johnson has been running Detroit’s offense since 2022 as the franchise has undergone an incredible transformation under head coach Dan Campbell.
Johnson has helped resurrect the career of Jared Goff after the Rams traded him to the Lions in the Matthew Stafford deal.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is also expected to land a head-coaching job in the coming days.
Caleb Williams will be entering his second year with the Bears. Getty Images
The former cornerback is having a second interview with the Jets and is also expected to have a second one with the Saints.
“We’ve got guys on staff that are more than qualified to be outstanding in those roles, but that does not mean I’m not looking outside either,” Campbell said of the potential of reworking his staff without Johnson and Glenn.
“I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible. We don’t lose what we’re about and our identity. We’re gonna stay true to who we are.”
Jared Goff’s career has blossomed under Ben Johnson in Detroit. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson is assembling “a star-studded coaching staff” that is expected to include former Saints coach Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator.
Johnson was the second hiring of the coaching cycle with the Patriots locking in Mike Vrabel last week.
The Cowboys, Saints, Jets, Jaguars and Raiders still have openings.
The Lions’ season ended on Saturday night when a brilliant 15-2 regular season was spoiled by a Divisional Round loss to the Commanders.
