Reports: Bears finalizing deal to hire Lions OC Ben Johnson as head coach

The Chicago Bears are set to hire a young, offensive-minded head coach to work with quarterback Caleb Williams.

According to multiple reports, the Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, 38. The move sees the Bears take a key coach away from a division rival.

The window to hire Johnson opened after the Lions were upset by the Washington Commanders in the divisional playoffs on Saturday.

The Lions finished 15-2 this season and earned the NFC’s top seed.

Williams was picked first overall in last year’s NFL Draft. The Bears finished 5-12, firing head coach Matt Eberflus in the middle of the season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is the leading candidate to become defensive co-ordinator on Johnson’s Chicago staff.

Johnson was a candidate for head-coaching jobs last off-season before opting to return to Detroit as OC under head coach Dan Campbell.

The Lions were even better in the regular season this season before their stunning playoff exit.

Johnson worked on the Miami Dolphins’ staff from 2012-18 before joining the Lions as an offensive quality control coach in 2019. He was promoted to OC in 2022.