Ben Johnson has yet to coach a game for the Bears, but he’s already a favorite for Coach of the Year—here’s what makes him a top contender.
As the top head coach candidate this NFL offseason, all eyes were on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Named 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, Johnson’s high-flying offense in Detroit led the NFL with 33.2 points per game, with 10 games with more than 30 points, and finished the year second in yards per game (409.5). He’s just what the Chicago Bears need right now at head coach, and the hope is he develops 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams into an elite quarterback in the NFL.
Johnson enters the 2025 season tied with newly appointed New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel as the betting favorite for Coach of the Year at +750. But what makes Johnson such a strong contender before even coaching a single game in Chicago?
Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Co-Favorite for Coach of the Year
This won’t be a simple task for Ben Johnson. The Bears lost double-digit games the last four years and enter the 2025 season with the Second hardest schedule in the NFL But those numbers don’t tell the full story.
Despite last year’s coaching struggles and constant roster turnover, the Bears have a talented core that will only improve this offseason. The centerpiece of that group is quarterback Caleb Williams, who, despite the turmoil, became the first Bears QB since Jay Cutler to start every game in a season. He also managed to break several records:
- Fewest interceptions in a season in franchise history
- Most pass attempts without an interception as a rookie
- Best TD-to-INT ratio among all 28 No. 1 overall rookie quarterbacks in NFL history
This is where Johnson’s offensive expertise comes in. Having helped revitalize Jared Goff’s career in Detroit, Johnson now has the opportunity to take Williams to the next step, setting both him and the Bears up for long-term success.
Establishing Accountability
For years, Bears fans pleaded for accountability from former head coach Matt Eberflus but never got it. As an NFL head coach, it’s your responsibility to be accountable for your actions.
Already in his introductory press conference, Ben Johnson made it clear that accountability and integrity will be cornerstones of this team:
“We’re going to do what we say we’re going to do and we’re going to be who we say we’re going to be. And if we fall short of that standard, then there has to be consequences to that.”
Why is accountability so important? It’s the difference between being a 5-12 team and a 10-7 playoff contender. Last season, the Bears lost several close games due to poor coaching decisions. Because of a lack of accountability, mistakes were repeated instead of corrected. Johnson intends to change that.
Building a Strong Foundation
Taking over as a first-time NFL head coach can be overwhelming, but Ben Johnson has been strategic in assembling his staff. He brought in experienced leaders like former Saints head coach Dennis Allen, retained special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, and added Tulane offensive line coach (and former Saints o-line coach) Dan Roushar.
With all that, Johnson even described the Bears as a “sleeping giant.”
“Going into this season, I felt like this place was a sleeping giant. To be honest with you, I personally was more concerned about the Chicago Bears than I was anybody else in this division.”
The question isn’t if, but when the Bears will prove they are legitimate contenders. If Johnson continues laying the groundwork for success and shows he can maximize the talent on this roster, he won’t just be in the Coach of the Year conversation—he’ll win it.
Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports
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