Ben Johnson is set to become the next Bears head coach.

News of that expectation came on Monday afternoon, per a league source, as a deal was being finalized to formally hire the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and the most coveted candidate on the coaching market.

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It’s clear why. Johnson’s offenses were awesome during his three years as coordinator, where he showed a mix of creativity and smart play calling while helping the Lions score steady points. His offenses were ranked in the top 10 during his time calling plays and it was the NFL’s most productive unit in 2024.

The Bears have watched Johnson work up close, facing him twice per year in the NFC North. Johnson has interviewed for jobs in past seasons but chose to stay in Detroit, yet took the Bears opening shortly after he was available to accept it.

Johnson’s career has been leading to this opportunity. For those who don’t know much about Johnson’s background, let’s offer a refresher:

The Ben Johnson file

Age: 38 years old

From: Born in Charleston, S.C. and went to A.C. Reynolds High in Ashville, N.C., where he played quarterback and won a state title

Family: Wife Jessica and children Emory, Kennedy and Halle

College: University of North Carolina (he was a walk-on quarterback there)

Coaching resume

• Boston College
  • Graduate assistant (2009-10), Tight ends (2011)
• Miami Dolphins
  • Offensive assistant (2021), Assistant QBs (2013-15), Tight ends (2015), Assistant WRs (2016-17), Receivers (2018)
• Detroit Lions
  • Offensive quality control (2019), Tight ends (2020-21), Passing game coordinator (2021), Offensive coordinator (2022-24)

The numbers

Here are Johnson’s offensive rankings during each of his three seasons as offensive coordinator:

• 2022: Scoring: 5th, Total offense: 4^th, Rushing: 11^th, Passing: 8^th
• 2023: Scoring: 5th, Total offense: 3rd, Rushing: 5^th, Passing: 2^th
• 2024: Scoring: 1st, Total offense: 2nd, Rushing: 6th, Passing: 2^nd

Caleb Williams on Ben Johnson

“I think he’s been really cool to watch. In our game (vs. Lions), I would sit back and watch and just kind of watch and try and  learn something … I was fascinated watching because he always had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game. I think he’s obviously done really well so I think it would be cool to see how that all goes down.”

Ben Johnson on Caleb Williams

“It’s been hard to sit down and study every throw, but I’ve seen plenty of crossover tape over the course of the year and there’s no question this guy is talented. I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you could just hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball, and has some creativity to him. He can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well. Like I said, I haven’t really (dived) in or can tell you much more beyond that, but he has been impressive from afar.”

Dan Campbell on Ben Johnson

“I think Ben’s a rock star, man,” Campbell said. “He’s a young guy, but he’s kind of gone a little longer, harder road to get to where he’s at. He’s been around some really good coaches, now, some guys who have coached some pretty good quarterbacks. Just being around Mike Sherman when I was with him down there (in Miami). Joe Philbin, who was with (Aaron) Rodgers. Then he’s with (Adam) Gase, who had (Peyton) Manning and those guys. So he understands quarterback play well. He was with Zac Taylor, who was with me in Miami. We were all together there in Miami. So, he understands it well.”