Over the last few years, Ben Johnson has been trending toward being an NFL head coach.
The former UNC football walk-on has led the Detroit Lions' high-powered offense for each of the last three seasons, as this wasn't the first offseason where he went through the interview process with other teams who were searching for a new leader.
Johnson was considered the top coaching candidate on the market last winter but turned down second interviews with two teams to stay in Detroit and pursue a Super Bowl title. Now, shortly after the Lions season came to an abrupt end, Johnson is finally on the verge of landing a head coaching job, one that will keep him in the NFC North Division.
Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. pic.twitter.com/UwlLk3wNJZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
According to multiple reports, Johnson is currently finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. Barring a last-minute snag, Johnson will finally have his chance to lead a franchise beginning this upcoming season.
It's no surprise that Johnson has been heavily coveted for open head coaching positions. Since taking over as Detroit's offensive coordinator in 2022, the Lions have averaged a league-best 29 points per game, as Johnson's creativity with playcalling has been a major element in the team's overall success.
While he didn't win a Super Bowl title with the Lions like he hoped to, now he'll look to beat his former team twice a season with his new squad.
The Bears job is an enticing one to say the least, given the franchise selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft. Chicago hopes that Johnson can be the guy to get the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.