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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Chicago Bears did not waste any time following the Detroit Lions losing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Current Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is set to be the next head coach of the Bears.
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According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, "A new day in Chicago: The #Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, per sources. Johnson is set to fly there soon and contract parameters are in place. Barring a last-minute snag, the #Lions OC lands with an NFC North rival."
Johnson was one of the most sought-after head coach candidates of this hiring cycle, and he will now be leading a young Caleb Williams and the Bears.
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Johnson had previously been named on many team's radars in the 2023 head coaching cycle, but he chose instead to remain with the Lions. That will no longer be the case, as the favorite offensive coordinator will now lead the Bears.
Many teams had interviewed including the Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and the New York Jets. Despite most of these teams likely wanting to bring in Johnson, he is set to head to Chicago.
Bears fans and the organization are likely overjoyed with this hire, as Johnson is coming from an NFC North rival. Even more exciting is he has been instrumental in turning the team around.
Johnson became the offensive coordinator for the Lions in 2022, and in that time Detroit has gone from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best.
Per Fox Sports, the Lions were the No. 2 ranked offensive in the league in 2024. Johnson led that offense and will not attempt to turn the struggling Bears around.
Though Chicago got off to a hot start behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the offense stalled. They would finish the 2024 season with a paltry 5-12 record.
The good news is the Bears have Williams to build around, and the No. 10 overall pick in the draft. The team will need to make major improvements on the offensive line to protect Williams, but can easily do that with their draft picks and free agency.
Chicago also has the fifth-best cap space, according to over the cap, with a projected $54 million in 2025.
With a new head coach and offensive dynamo in Johnson, the Bears could be facing a far better situation in 2025.
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