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Ben Johnson Already Doing Lions a Big Favor in His New Role

By Cem Yolbulan

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
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Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's departure from Detroit has been expected for a while. After turning down head coaching offers for the past two offseasons, Johnson finally spread his wings and accepted the Bears' job offer. In his first stint as an NFL head coach, he will be facing his former team twice a season.

Some Lions fans feared that Johnson would poach more coaches to Chicago. The 38-year-old coach has been with the Lions since 2019 and was able to build relationships with plenty of assistant coaches throughout his tenure. It would only be natural for him to build his staff from coaches he knows and trusts.

Surprisingly, however, Johnson reportedly doesn't have plans to "raid Dan Campbell's staff", per Bears insider Brad Biggs. Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley has been rumored as a potential offensive coordinator candidate under Johnson. It turns out Fraley isn't expected to join Johnson in Chicago.

Ben Johnson Reportedly Won't "Raid" Dan Campbell's Staff

This is a fascinating development. First-time head coaches bringing in their assistants from their former teams is common practice. The only other NFL experience Johnson has was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2018. He surely has connections from his time there or former Lions assistants that he will presumably consider. Yet, it's still surprising that he wouldn't consider poaching anyone from the team that he enjoyed tremendous success with.

How Johnson fills out his staff in Chicago will be interesting to watch. During his stint as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, Johnson was able to lead the team to three straight finishes in the top five in scoring. In 2024, the Lions were the best offensive unit in the NFL, scoring more points than anyone.

Johnson is going to have to replicate that success with a completely different coaching staff. Biggs didn't rule out the possibility of Johnson eventually hiring someone from the Lions, but it sounds like most of his staff in Detroit will remain intact. This will be crucial as the Lions attempt to maintain their regular-season dominance next season with new coordinators on both sides of the ball.

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