Bears’ Ben Johnson ranked among best in NFL by opposing coaches

Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach of the Chicago Bears turned a lot of heads. He guided the team to an NFC North crown with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round. The 40-year-old received widespread praise across the NFL for the success he brought to the franchise.

He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant and tight ends coach with Boston College. Johnson stayed with the program from 2009 to 2011 before the Miami Dolphins hired him in 2012. He held several roles with the team for seven years before moving to the Detroit Lions. Chicago hired him in January 2025 after he emerged as one of the most brilliant young coaches in the league.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on during warmups before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson is part of the top 10 offensive play callers in NFL

The Athletic asked eight defensive coaches to identify their top 10 offensive play callers in the league. Johnson ranked third, with emphasis on his variety of plays and his ability to gain short yardage on second down. The sports news website also shared a defensive coach’s comments about him.

“He anticipates what your counterpunch might be or what your complement to something might be and then exploits that schematically. He thinks through what might be the next thing you do to build off this (call),” an NFC defensive coach said. “And then once he kind of gets you into that next step or the next thing you’re building off of, he already has answers for that.”

Johnson aims for an even bigger year for the Bears in 2026. He understands that the road ahead is tough, especially with expectations surrounding the team amid its training camp.

Caleb Williams enjoyed the best season of his young career under him, and they have a good working relationship. With seven primetime games, fans across the country will have the opportunity to see Johnson’s play-calling more on national TV.