Bears Hire Lions Offensive Coordinator Johnson As New Head Coach: A Complex Choice

Introduction

The Chicago Bears have made a bold move by hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson, who has just one season of experience as an NFL offensive coordinator, is a surprising choice for the Bears, who are looking to turn around a struggling franchise. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some experts praising Johnson's offensive acumen while others questioning his lack of experience as a head coach.

The Argument for Johnson

Johnson's supporters point to his impressive track record as the Lions' offensive coordinator. In 2022, he helped lead the Lions to their first playoff berth in over a decade. The Lions' offense ranked among the top 10 in the NFL in several categories, including points per game, yards per game, and passing yards per game. Johnson is credited with developing quarterback Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl player and helping to maximize the potential of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Johnson is also seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. He is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to adapt to the strengths of his players. He is also considered a strong leader and motivator.

The Argument Against Johnson

Johnson's critics question his lack of experience as a head coach. He has never been a head coach at any level, and he has only been an NFL offensive coordinator for one season. Some experts believe that he may not be ready for the challenges of being a head coach, which include managing a large staff, dealing with the media, and making difficult decisions on a daily basis.

Johnson's critics also point to his lack of success as a defensive coordinator. Before joining the Lions, Johnson spent three seasons as the Lions' wide receivers coach. He has no experience coaching any other position on defense.

The Bears' Perspective

The Bears are hoping that Johnson can bring the same success to Chicago that he did to Detroit. The Bears have not had a winning season since 2018, and they have not won a playoff game since 2010. Johnson is seen as a young, innovative coach who can help the Bears rebuild their offense and contend for a playoff spot.

The Bears are also hoping that Johnson can help develop quarterback Justin Fields. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent. Johnson is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and the Bears are hoping that he can help Fields reach his full potential.

The Broader Implications

The Bears' hiring of Johnson is a sign that the NFL is becoming more willing to hire young, inexperienced coaches. In recent years, several teams have hired coaches with little or no head coaching experience, including the Los Angeles Rams, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Philadelphia Eagles. These teams have all had success with their young coaches, and the Bears are hoping that Johnson can do the same for them.

The Bears' hiring of Johnson is also a sign that the NFL is becoming more diverse. Johnson is the first Black head coach in Bears history, and he is one of only a handful of Black head coaches in the NFL. The NFL has made a commitment to diversity and inclusion in recent years, and the Bears' hiring of Johnson is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion

The Bears' hiring of Johnson is a bold move that has the potential to be a success or a failure. Johnson is a talented offensive coach with a bright future, but he has also never been a head coach before. The Bears are hoping that he can bring the same success to Chicago that he did to Detroit, but only time will tell if he is up to the task.