Ben Johnson Transforms Bears into Offensive Powerhouse with Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears fired up their offense this season under new head coach Ben Johnson, pairing him with quarterback Caleb Williams to create one of the league's top scoring attacks. Johnson, hired in January 2025 after success with the Detroit Lions, led the Bears to an 11-6 record and ended years of struggles on that side of the ball.

Background

Ben Johnson joined the Bears as their 18th full-time head coach on January 21, 2025, replacing Matt Eberflus. Before that, he spent years climbing the ranks in the NFL. He started as a graduate assistant at Boston College from 2009 to 2011, coaching tight ends there. Then he moved to the Miami Dolphins, where he worked in roles like offensive assistant, assistant quarterbacks coach, and receivers coach from 2012 to 2018.

In 2019, Johnson landed with the Detroit Lions as offensive quality control coach. He moved up to tight ends coach in 2020 and 2021, then became passing game coordinator in 2021. By 2022, he was the offensive coordinator. Under him, the Lions offense took off. From 2022 to 2024, they averaged 29 points per game, the most in the NFL. In 2024, they led the league with 33.2 points per game, a franchise record.

The Lions ranked first in total yards per game at 394.8 and passing yards at 258 over those three years. Their rushing game hit 136.8 yards per game, fifth in the NFL. They topped the league in red zone touchdown percentage at 66.7% and passer rating at 103.1. Players like running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who led the NFL with 20 scrimmage touchdowns in 2024, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who earned back-to-back first-team All-Pro honors, thrived in Johnson's system.

Johnson turned down head coaching jobs before, like with the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks in 2024, to stay in Detroit. But he took the Bears job right away when it opened. The Bears had watched him closely, facing the Lions twice a year in the NFC North. Chicago's offense in 2024 was the fifth-worst, averaging just 18.2 points per game. Caleb Williams, their first overall pick that year, threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six picks, but got sacked 68 times, tied for third-most ever in a season.

Key Details

Johnson got to work fast in Chicago. He brought in familiar faces and new talent to build around Williams. He hired Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator to help plan games. Doyle had worked with Johnson before. For defense, he named Dennis Allen the coordinator. Allen came from the New Orleans Saints. Johnson kept special teams coach Richard Hightower from the previous staff. He also added Antwaan Randle El and J.T. Barrett from Detroit as assistants.

Offensive Turnaround

The Bears offense exploded under Johnson. They jumped from near the bottom to matching the Lions' past success. Williams improved his game. His completion percentage, passing yards per attempt, and decision-making got better. The line protected him more, cutting down sacks. Williams held the ball longer at times, with an average time to throw of 3.13 seconds in 2024, but the unit clicked.

Johnson mixed creativity with smart calls. He used a balanced attack, strong in both run and pass. The Bears scored steady points, often hitting 30 or more in games. Weapons like wide receivers D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen, plus tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift, who followed from Detroit talks, gave Williams options. The offense ranked high in key stats, much like Johnson's Lions teams.

"I think he'll do an outstanding job in that role. He's really smart, having played quarterback, he's got that inward feel of how to help elevate that position." – Ben Johnson on a former colleague

The defense stayed solid too, ranked 13th in scoring at 21.8 points allowed in 2024. Stars like edge rusher Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson provided a base. Johnson focused on coordinator hires to lift the whole team, just like his old boss Dan Campbell did in Detroit.

What This Means

Johnson's success means the Bears end a long drought. No Chicago quarterback has thrown for 4,000 yards in a season in 105 NFL years. Williams could break that with Johnson's scheme. The 11-6 record puts Chicago in playoff contention and builds hope in a city starved for wins.

For the NFC North, it ramps up competition. The Bears now match the Lions' offensive punch they learned from. Johnson, at 38, proves young coaches can lead. His hires show he builds teams with people he trusts. Williams snaps another streak by starting all games, first since Jay Cutler in 2009.

The pressure line was league average at 35.4% in 2024, 18th overall. Johnson fixed that with better schemes and coaching. Expected points added per play improved from negative territory. The Bears red zone efficiency rose, turning drives into points.

This setup positions Chicago for runs deep into playoffs. Johnson's track record suggests more big seasons ahead. He inherits talent and adds his touch. Fans see a new era, one with points and excitement. The franchise shifts from rebuild to contender status.