Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers have dominated the Chicago Bears in recent seasons. Chicago’s victory over Green Bay in Week 18 was their first of the Matt LaFleur Era. Prior to that, the Packers had won 11 consecutive games over their oldest NFL rivals.

What made the loss to Chicago in Week 18 even worse is that it happened long after the Bears had fired their head coach, Matt Eberflus. Of course, the absolute worst part about the loss was Christian Watson tearing his ACL and leaving his 2025 availability in serious question.

Last week, it was reported that Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and former Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy were both candidates for the Bears head coaching job. Alas, both have been passed over.

The Chicago Bears Have Hired Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson as Their Head Coach

Earlier today, it was reported that the Bears had hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their next head coach. Ever since Eberflus was fired, many Chicago fans were calling on the team to hire the architect and play-caller of the NFL’s top-scoring offense this past season.

A new day in Chicago: The #Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, per sources.

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. pic.twitter.com/Y1i4lRtpw5

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 20, 2025

Johnson, who will be just 39 years old in May, has been an NFL coach since 2012. He got his start with the Miami Dolphins, with whom he spent seven seasons. During that time, he held the roles of offensive assistant, assistant quarterbacks coach, tight end coach, assistant wide receivers coach, and wide receivers coach.

In 2019, he was hired by the Lions as their offensive quality control coach. Since then, he has held the titles of tight ends coach, passing game coordinator, and offensive coordinator.

Green Bay Packers Fans Are Not Thrilled that the Chicago Bears Hired Ben Johnson

For the first time in a while, it appears that Chicago has actually made a good hire for their head coaching job. Given Johnson’s success with the Lions, many Packers fans are not thrilled that he has been hired by the lowly Bears:

Well #Packers fans, what do you think of Ben Johnson to the #Bears?

— Robin Adams (@theotherRobin19) January 20, 2025

I did not think the Bears would pay Ben Johnson what he could command.

I did not think he would like the front office situation.

Welp

— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) January 20, 2025

Of course, there is no guarantee that Johnson will be a good head coach. Many coordinators have been hired as head coaches and failed. However, many have been hired and have found success (a la LaFleur).

It remains to be seen, however, if Chicago can fix all of their other issues.