Ben Johnson hired as head coach for Chicago Bears
Discover key insights into Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are ready for an NFC North Division matchup (follow live updates) at Ford Field in Detroit in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
The early-season showdown between longtime rivals is overflowing with juicy storylines, most notably the return of Ben Johnson, who will surely hear plenty of boos upon his entrance onto the opposing sideline. Johnson, 39, is in his first year as Bears coach after being hired in January, following three seasons directing one of the league’s best offenses as Lions offensive coordinator and play-caller. He was with the Lions from 2019-24.
So how does Johnson’s insight into the Lions’ offense, particularly quarterback Jared Goff’s weaknesses, factor into this near must-win game? And what does Lions coach Dan Campbell and first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard have in store to combat Johnson’s adept game-planning?
Free Press sports writer Christian Romo breaks down the key matchup in Lions-Bears:
Ben Johnson vs Dan Campbell is key matchup in Lions-Bears
It wasn’t long ago that Lions’ coach Dan Campbell was considered the new guy around. Now he’s a grizzled vet (or maybe just grizzled), looking to show up his former offensive coordinator in the Lions’ home opener.
Bears coach Ben Johnson didn’t get the result he wanted in his own home opener, but Bears fans found a bright spot in the team’s first-half performance as Chicago held a lead against the Minnesota Vikings for much of the game on Monday, Sept. 8, before eventually falling 27-24.
As for what the Lions can expect out of the Bears’ offense, Lions’ defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard called this week’s practice “training camp,” meaning the Bears should bring out packages and plays that look very familiar to the Lions that have been around a while. Campbell kept it even simpler, saying the Lions will focus on handling the “meat and potatoes” instead of worrying about any potential trick plays.
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You can reach Christian at [email protected].
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