Sources – Bears finalize deal to hire Lions’ Ben Johnson as coach

The Chicago Bears are closing in on a deal to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

Johnson, who has been the Lions’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, —will fill the job vacated when Matt Eberflus was fired during the season.

Johnson, 38, was available for hire after the Lions, who were the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs, was stunned Saturday night by the Washington Commanders.

He has fended off interest from teams over the past few years, but will now take over in Chicago to coach quarterback Caleb Williams, who earlier this month said he was intrigued by Johnson’s offense with the Lions.

Before the Bears’ 34-17 loss to Detroit in December, Johnson offered similar praise about what he had seen from Williams. In two games against the Lions, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft threw for 681 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.

Johnson, known for his innovative playcalling, has coached the Lions to top-10 offenses the past two seasons, including second overall in 2024, when they were the No. 1 in points scored and finished 15-2.

The Bears were 5-12 this season, last in the NFC North standings.