In a heartfelt announcement, Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, shared his decision to accept a new role with the Chicago Bears, marking the end of his tenure with Detroit. Johnson had quickly become one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching minds, earning widespread admiration for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to transform the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s most potent units.
“I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the Detroit Lions organization, my coaching staff, and, of course, the players,” Johnson said in a statement. “This has been an incredible journey, one that I will always cherish. From the moment I joined the Lions, I felt welcomed, supported, and challenged. Together, we’ve built something special, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made.”
Over the past few seasons, Johnson’s offense was widely considered one of the most dynamic in the NFL. Under his guidance, quarterback Jared Goff flourished, wide receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as top-tier playmakers, and the running game, featuring stars like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, became a major force. Johnson’s creativity and adaptability were key to unlocking the potential of the Lions’ offense, and his work garnered significant attention from across the league.
Despite the growing success in Detroit, Johnson made the difficult decision to move on, feeling that a new challenge with the Chicago Bears would provide him with an exciting opportunity to further grow as a coach. The Bears, who have been rebuilding their offense around quarterback Justin Fields, saw Johnson as the perfect candidate to lead their efforts to revamp their attack and take advantage of Fields’ dual-threat ability.
“Chicago offers an incredible opportunity to work with a talented young quarterback and help shape the future of this franchise,” Johnson explained. “I’ve always been passionate about developing young talent and creating offenses that are both efficient and exciting to watch. This new chapter is one I’m eager to embrace.”
In his departure, Johnson also acknowledged the Lions’ passionate fan base, who have supported the team through thick and thin. “Detroit’s fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated in the world,” he said. “I will forever be grateful for the energy they brought to every game and for believing in the vision we had.”
As Johnson transitions to his new role with the Bears, his legacy in Detroit is secure, and many are excited to see how he can help elevate Chicago’s offense to new heights.
