Ben Johnson took the Bears’ head coaching job after turning down the Raiders

On By Littum

Ben Johnson didn’t take long to make up his mind this time.

Lions offensive coordinator takes Bears head coaching job, according to multiple reports.

Johnson, 38, is headed to Chicago to finalize the deal, with details of the impending contract unclear.

Johnson spent the last two weeks flirting with the possibility of becoming the Raiders’ coach, but ultimately chose the team with a potential franchise quarterback in place in Caleb Williams.

Ben Johnson will be the next coach for the Bears. Getty Images

Johnson had been a hot name in coaching circles the past two seasons, but passed on head-coaching opportunities – including with the Commanders last season.

Williams, no. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an up-and-down rookie season as the team went 5-12.

“Selfishly, I want to get an offensive-minded guy so I can build with him and be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years and then I can also learn and grow and stuff from him and that , he’s seen and what he’s been through with other QBs or been around,” Williams said last week at St. Brown podcast.

The Bears fired Matt Eberflus in late November after several close and frustrating losses, including to Johnson’s Lions on Thanksgiving.

Johnson has run Detroit’s offense since 2022 as the franchise has undergone an incredible transformation under head coach Dan Campbell.

Johnson has helped resurrect Jared Goff’s career after the Rams traded him to the Lions in the Matthew Stafford deal.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is also expected to land a head coaching job in the coming days.

Caleb Williams enters his second year with the Bears. Getty Images

The former cornerback has another interview with the Jets and is also expected to have another interview with the Saints.

“We have guys on staff who are more than qualified to be excellent in those roles, but that doesn’t mean I’m not looking outside as well,” Campbell said of the potential to retool his staff without Johnson and Glenn.

“I want what I think will be as close to what we’ve been as possible. We won’t lose what we’re about and our identity. We’ll stay true to who we are.”

Jared Goff’s career has blossomed under Ben Johnson in Detroit. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson is to assemble “a star-studded coaching staff” that is expected to include former Saints coach Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator.

Johnson was the second hire in the coaching cycle with the Patriots locking in Mike Vrabel last week.

The Cowboys, Saints, Jets, Jaguars and Raiders still have openings.

The Lions’ season ended Saturday night when a brilliant 15-2 regular season was spoiled by a divisional round loss to the Commanders.