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As the NFL offseason begins to ramp up, one of the most exciting developments for Chicago Bears fans is the growing recognition of head coach Matt Eberflus’s offensive coordinator, **Ben Johnson**, who has rapidly become one of the league’s most highly regarded playcallers. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Johnson’s ability to design dynamic, effective offensive strategies has earned him recognition as one of the top playcallers in the NFL. This surge in respect for Johnson’s talent as a game-planner comes at a pivotal moment for the Bears, who are working to rebuild their offense and push back into playoff contention.

In this blog post, we’ll break down how Johnson has ascended to this level of recognition, what makes him such an intriguing figure in the NFL, and how his innovative approach could help propel the Bears into the next phase of their rebuild. With the 2025 season just around the corner, let’s dive into the rise of Ben Johnson and why he could be the key to Chicago’s offensive resurgence.

### **The Rapid Rise of Ben Johnson**

For those who may not be entirely familiar with Ben Johnson’s rise in the NFL coaching ranks, it’s been nothing short of impressive. After starting his career as a wide receivers coach and offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions, Johnson’s big break came when he was promoted to offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell in 2022.

Despite the Lions’ offensive struggles in the years prior to Johnson’s arrival, he quickly turned the unit into one of the most potent in the league. His first season as offensive coordinator saw the Lions’ offense rank among the top in total yards, scoring, and passing efficiency. The development of quarterback Jared Goff, who had been written off as a potential starter in the league, became one of the biggest success stories in Detroit under Johnson’s tutelage.

Johnson’s ability to design creative and diverse offensive schemes—often featuring play-action, motion, and an adaptable passing game—was a breath of fresh air in an offense that had long struggled to find its identity. Under his leadership, the Lions finished as a top-10 offense, showcasing both explosive plays and a high level of efficiency. His work with Goff was especially impressive, as he helped revitalize the veteran quarterback’s career and helped him post some of his best numbers since leaving the Los Angeles Rams.

By the end of 2024, Johnson’s reputation had grown to the point where the Chicago Bears decided to bring him on as their offensive coordinator. The Bears were coming off a disappointing season, and they needed a fresh perspective to develop their young quarterback, Justin Fields, and create a more dynamic offensive system. Johnson’s track record made him an ideal candidate to help elevate Chicago’s offense and bring a more modern, flexible approach to the team’s game plan.

### **Ben Johnson’s Approach: A Modern, Dynamic Offense**

What makes Ben Johnson such a highly ranked playcaller is his ability to think outside the box. In today’s NFL, offenses are moving towards a more fast-paced, multifaceted, and adaptable approach. Johnson is one of the coaches at the forefront of this evolution. His offense is designed to be unpredictable and diverse, often keeping opposing defenses on their toes with motion, quick reads, and an effective blend of both the run and pass games.

One of the cornerstones of Johnson’s success has been his ability to adapt his offense to his quarterback’s strengths. In Detroit, he molded his system around Jared Goff’s ability to execute quick, efficient throws and play-action passes, all while maintaining a high level of explosiveness with the deep ball. For the Bears, the challenge will be adjusting his offense to the unique skill set of Justin Fields, who is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground.

Johnson has already shown that he’s capable of designing plays that take advantage of a quarterback’s athleticism. In Detroit, he was a big part of Goff’s resurgence, but the situation in Chicago is different. Fields is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, and Johnson will need to incorporate more designed runs, RPOs (run-pass options), and quick throws to get the most out of his young star. However, Johnson’s adaptability and willingness to tweak his system based on personnel is what makes him such an intriguing figure in the NFL.

In terms of the run game, Johnson has shown an ability to get creative with how he schemes up opportunities for running backs. Whether it’s through zone runs, misdirection plays, or pulling guards to open up lanes, Johnson is not afraid to use his entire playbook to keep the defense guessing. This versatility in play design will be crucial for the Bears, who have a dynamic running back in **Khalil Herbert** and a promising rookie in **Roschon Johnson** who both need a well-structured offense to reach their potential.

### **What Makes Ben Johnson Among the Best?**

Ben Johnson’s ascent to being regarded as one of the top playcallers in the NFL is due to several key factors that set him apart from his peers. These include:

1. **Innovation in Offensive Scheme:**
Johnson’s offensive systems are designed to keep defenses on edge. He uses motion, shifts, and play-action to confuse defenders and open up lanes for his players. Unlike many traditional offenses that rely on a rigid structure, Johnson’s offenses are fluid and adaptable. His ability to create mismatches using these tools has earned him high marks from both analysts and coaches around the league.

2. **Quarterback Development:**
A hallmark of Johnson’s career has been his ability to develop quarterbacks. His work with Jared Goff is a prime example of this. Under Johnson’s system, Goff became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league in 2024. His ability to unlock Goff’s potential is one of the reasons that Johnson is so highly regarded. In Chicago, Johnson faces a similar task with Justin Fields, and if anyone can maximize Fields’ potential as a passer while keeping his dynamic running ability a threat, it’s Johnson.

3. **Balanced Offensive Attack:**
Johnson doesn’t simply rely on one aspect of the game—he understands that the key to success in today’s NFL is balance. His offense is built on a strong running game complemented by a passing attack that stretches the field and works in quick-hitting patterns. This balance will help the Bears keep defenses guessing, especially when they have a dual-threat quarterback like Fields at the helm.

4. **Adaptability:**
One of Johnson’s strongest traits is his ability to adjust his offense based on the team’s personnel. While some offensive coordinators are wedded to one scheme or another, Johnson has demonstrated time and time again that he’s willing to tweak his approach to make the best use of his players’ strengths. This adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL.

### **The Impact on the Bears’ Future**

The Chicago Bears have not been a consistent contender in recent years, but with the hiring of Ben Johnson, the team has an opportunity to turn things around. Fields’ development is the key to the team’s success, and Johnson will be the driving force in helping him realize his potential. If Johnson can replicate the success he had in Detroit and translate it to Chicago, the Bears could quickly become a dangerous team in the NFC North.

With a creative offensive scheme, the Bears will look to maximize their personnel, making the most of Fields’ athleticism and playmaking ability. The addition of top-tier talent through the draft and free agency—coupled with Johnson’s leadership—could make Chicago a serious playoff contender in 2025.

For now, Bears fans have every reason to be optimistic. With Ben Johnson ranked among the NFL’s top playcallers, the future is looking brighter than ever for the Chicago Bears. If Johnson’s innovative offensive mind can get the best out of Justin Fields, the Bears may very well be on the path to becoming a perennial playoff team. The 2025 season will be one to watch closely.